September is National Food Safety Awareness Month

This is Part 2 of this season's Food Safety Newsletter highlighting National Food Safety Awareness Month.

To view Part 1 of this month's newsletter series, click on the button below:

When A Permit May Not Be Needed Not every food needs a permit. Examples include: Pre-packaged items that stay safe at room temperature, Bake Sale products made for a cause, Potluck items provided to friends and neighbors, Lemonade stands run by kids under 18, Hot drinks served in single-use cups, Farm-fresh whole fruits and vegetables (uncut and unwashed).

Other foods may be exempt from permit. Check with your local health department before you start selling food.

 

Download the Flyer (English or Spanish Version):

When A Permit May Not Be Needed_English.pdf

When A Permit May Not Be Needed_Espanol.pdf

Pop-ups and Social Media Sales While some events or foods are exempt from a permit, there are hidden risks associated with unlicensed or unpermitted food vendors. Hidden Risks: Food prepared in an unlicensed kitchen is never inspected. Potential for allergens in the food may be high.  Cookware and food contact surfaces may be improperly cleaned and sanitized.   Protect Yourself and Your Family: Look for a posted permit. Ref. WAC 246-215-08350(1). Ask for a recent inspection report. Licensed Food Establishments are required to provide the most recent inspection report for review. Ref. WAC 246-215-08350(11). Can't confirm an online food vendor? When in Doubt, Don't "Check Out".   Download the Flyer (English or Spanish Version): Pop-ups and Pitfalls_English.pdf Pop-ups and Pitfalls_Espanol.pdf

How to Get Licensed Licensed Food Establishments will have a copy of their valid permit posted for their customers to view. This permit means they have passed plan review and obtained training certifications demonstrating their knowledge about food safety. Steps to success: Contact your local health department. Plan your menu and kitchen. Apply and get your kitchen inspection-ready. Pass inspection and launch your business with confidence.

Benefits of Being Licensed: 

• Winning customer confidence. Licensing shows customers you care about safety.
• Protecting your reputation. Inspections and outbreak investigations may protect your business from being incorrectly blamed for causing a foodborne illness.
• Opening more doors. Farmers Markets, Fairs, Festivals, and Catering all require permits. Having access to a licensed kitchen is a requirement for vendors to prepare foods in advance safely. 

Download the Flyer (English or Spanish Version):

How to Get Licensed_English.pdf

How to Get Licensed_Spanish.pdf