Working in the food industry in Washington State requires you to understand and practice food safety. A key part of this is obtaining a Food Worker Card, often referred to as a Food Handler Permit. This card demonstrates that you have completed the necessary food safety training and are qualified to handle food safely.
Who Needs a Food Worker Card?
If you work with unpackaged food, food equipment, utensils, or any surfaces that come into contact with unwrapped food, you are considered a food worker in Washington State. This includes roles in restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, food trucks, and various other food service establishments. Essentially, if your job involves handling food served to the public, you likely need a food worker card.
Is a Food Worker Card Mandatory in Washington?
Yes, it is. Washington State law (Chapter 246-217 WAC) mandates that all food workers must possess a valid Food Worker Card. You are required to keep your card, or a copy of it, with you while working. Health department inspectors may request to see your card during routine food safety inspections.
Can I Start Working Before Getting My Card?
You can begin working in a food establishment and have up to 14 days to obtain your Food Worker Card. However, to work during this initial 14-day period, your employer must provide you with food safety training. It’s crucial to prioritize getting your official card as soon as possible.
Where to Obtain Your Food Worker Card
Food Worker Cards in Washington State are issued by local health departments. These departments provide the required food safety training, administer the exam, and issue the card upon successful completion. You can find contact information for your local health department on the Local health departments resource page. Importantly, a Food Worker Card obtained from any local health department in Washington State is valid throughout the entire state.
Can I Get a Food Worker Card Online?
Yes, obtaining your Food Worker Card online is a convenient option offered by all local health departments in Washington. The only officially recognized online training and testing program is available at www.foodworkercard.wa.gov. Be cautious of other websites claiming to offer similar cards, as these are not valid in Washington State. Using the official website ensures that you receive the correct training and a legitimate Food Worker Card.
What is the Cost of a Food Worker Card?
The standard cost for a Food Worker Card in Washington State is $10. This fee covers the training, the exam, and the issuance of your card. Once you receive your card, it is recommended to keep the original in a safe place and provide a copy to your employer for their records.
Is My Food Worker Card Valid Statewide?
Absolutely. A Washington State Food Worker Card is valid and accepted anywhere within the state of Washington. If you change jobs or move to a different county within Washington, your existing Food Worker Card remains valid and travels with you.
Are Food Worker Cards from Other States Accepted?
No, Washington State requires all food workers to hold a Washington State Food Worker Card. Cards obtained from other states are not valid for employment as a food worker in Washington. If you are moving to Washington from another state and plan to work in the food industry, you will need to obtain a Washington State Food Worker Card.
How Can I Prepare for the Food Safety Exam?
To help you prepare for the food safety training class and exam, a study guide is available. The Food and Beverage Workers’ Manual serves as a comprehensive resource and is available in seven languages, including Braille upon request. Reviewing this manual will significantly improve your understanding of food safety principles and increase your chances of passing the exam.
What if I Lose My Food Worker Card?
If you have lost your Food Worker Card, you can obtain a replacement. If you obtained your card online through www.foodworkercard.wa.gov, you can log back into your account using your registration information and security question. From there, you can select the “Replace My Valid Food Worker Card” option. A replacement fee may apply.
If you obtained your card through an in-person class, you will need to contact your local health department directly to inquire about their specific process for obtaining a replacement card.
How Often Do I Need to Renew My Food Worker Card?
Your initial Food Worker Card is valid for a period of two years from the date of issue. Before your card expires, you are required to retake the food safety training class and pass the exam again to renew it. Subsequent renewal cards, after your first one, are valid for a longer period, either three or five years, depending on the type of renewal you obtain.
Can I Renew My Card Before it Expires?
Yes, you can apply for a renewal card even if your current card is still valid, provided it is less than two years old. Specifically, you can renew if your current card will expire between 1 to 60 days after you apply for renewal. When applying for a renewal card, you will need to present your current valid Food Worker Card.
Do Renewal Cards Have a Longer Validity Period?
Yes, renewal cards offer extended validity compared to your first card. Standard renewal cards are valid for three years from the issue date. To obtain a renewal card, you must again complete the food worker training class and pass the Washington State food safety exam.
Is There a 5-Year Renewal Option?
Yes, Washington State offers a 5-year renewal Food Worker Card for individuals who have pursued additional food safety training. To qualify for this 5-year renewal, you must hold a current, valid Food Worker Card and provide proof of completing “additional food safety training” within the two years prior to your renewal.
How Do I Get a 5-Year Card Online?
To apply for a 5-year renewal card online, you will need to email proof of your completed additional food safety training to [email protected]. Ensure that the training was completed within two years of your renewal date. For any questions regarding the 5-year renewal card, you can call 1-800-204-4418 for assistance.
What are the Requirements for a 5-Year Card?
To be eligible for a 5-year Food Worker Card renewal, you must meet the following criteria:
- Successfully complete the standard requirements for a food worker card renewal, which includes attending the food safety training and passing the exam.
- Provide proof of successfully completing “additional food safety training” within two years before your food worker card renewal date. For example, if your renewal card is issued on March 1, 2020, the additional training must have been completed on or after March 1, 2018.
Still Have Questions?
For further questions about Food Worker Cards and food safety training classes, you can Contact your local health department, food safety program for direct assistance. They can provide specific guidance and support related to your local area.
