Washington State prioritizes food safety and requires all food workers to obtain a Food Handler Permit, also known as a Food Worker Card. This permit demonstrates that you have completed the necessary food safety training and passed an exam, ensuring you can safely handle food served to the public.
You are considered a food worker if your job involves handling unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or any surface that comes into contact with unwrapped food. This includes roles in restaurants, grocery stores, catering companies, and other food service establishments.
According to Washington State regulations (Chapter 246-217 WAC), all food workers must possess a valid Food Handler Permit. This permit should be readily available at your workplace for inspection by health officials. You can begin working for up to 14 days before obtaining your permit, provided you receive food safety training from your employer.
To obtain your Food Handler Permit, you must complete a food safety training course and pass an exam offered by your local health department. These departments provide both in-person and online training options. The authorized online training program is available at www.foodworkercard.wa.gov. Be cautious of other websites offering similar cards, as they may not be valid in Washington.
The cost of a Food Handler Permit is $10. It’s recommended to keep the original permit and provide a copy to your employer. This permit is valid throughout Washington State, regardless of where you obtained it or where you work. However, out-of-state food handler permits are not accepted in Washington. You must obtain a Washington State Food Handler Permit to work as a food handler in the state.
To prepare for the food safety exam, you can utilize the Food and Beverage Workers’ Manual, a comprehensive study guide available in multiple languages, including Braille. This manual covers essential food safety principles and practices to help you succeed in the training and exam.
If you lose your Food Handler Permit, you can obtain a replacement. If you obtained your card online, you can request a replacement through the same website. If you received your card after completing an in-person class, contact your local health department for replacement instructions.
Your initial Food Handler Permit is valid for two years. To renew your permit, you must retake the food safety training class and pass the exam. Renewal permits are valid for three or five years, depending on your qualifications. You can renew your permit up to 60 days before its expiration date. Renewal permits are valid for three years from the date of issue.
A five-year Food Handler Permit is available for individuals with additional food safety training. To qualify for this extended validity, you must have a current permit and provide proof of completing additional food safety training within the past two years. You can submit your proof of additional training to [email protected]. To qualify for the five-year permit, you must complete the standard renewal requirements (training and exam) and have proof of completing additional training within two years of your renewal date. For example, if your renewal date is March 1, 2020, your additional training must have been completed on or after March 1, 2018. For further inquiries, contact your local health department’s food safety program.
