Permanent Plumbing Food Code Change Update

Good afternoon,

Last week, Snohomish Health District sent out an email informing operators of discussion occurring at the local level of a change to the Washington State Food Code that would have removed the exemption that allowed coffee stands and other movable concession stands to operate with potable water and wastewater tanks.

Last week the Washington State Department of Health received feedback from many citizens in the State and sent out an update on the code revision, available here. The update clarifies that the code change does not require closure or modification of existing structures and that it does not preclude similar structures that are able to meet food safety and other local health jurisdictional requirements from being approved in the future.

The State Department of Health will also be issuing guidance for safe water and food preparation for facilities without permanent plumbing. When that guidance is developed, the Snohomish Health District will reach back out to operators. Thank you to everyone who provided comments and feedback – if you have any questions or comments please reach out to me.

Thank you,

Tony Colinas | Assistant Director of Environmental Health | Food Services
3020 Rucker Avenue, Ste 204 | Everett, WA 98201 | tcolinas@snohd.org