The Food and Living Environment Section is responsible for regulating healthy conditions in food establishments, schools,
swimming pools and spas and other areas or activities that may affect the health of our communities. The following programs
have been developed to meet the needs of the community through education and enforcement of public health regulations
The Food Program inspects over 2,900 permanent, permitted facilities, 200 school kitchens, and 750 temporary food booths
operating at fairs and community events. In addition to routine health inspections, the Food Program reviews plans and
inspects construction of food establishments, investigates complaints of foodborne illness and unsanitary conditions,
provides food worker card classes and issues food worker cards.
The Water Recreation Program reviews plans, inspects construction and conducts routine inspections of public swimming
pools/spas. Complaints of illness and unsanitary conditions are also investigated at these facilities.
The School Health and Safety Program reviews plans, construction and makes periodic inspections of K-12 schools
(public and private). This program verifies compliance with minimal environmental standards for educational
facilities, as per WAC 246-633-040. For example, inspectors may check lighting, ventilation, playground equipment
and safety equipment in laboratories and shops. The biennial inspections are done at approximately 200 public schools
and 75 private schools, which include about 108,000 students in 7975 classrooms.
The Environmental Disease Education and Surveillance Program provides information to the public about potential
disease in our environment. Field collection of specimens for testing of certain diseases is also provided when
funding is available to perform surveillance. These diseases include West Nile Virus, Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning,
Bird Flu, and Hantavirus.
The Group Camp Program works to ensure a safe recreational environment. Kitchens, swimming equipment, housing facilities
and bathing facilities are routinely checked for cleanliness as well as safety.
