Anyone handling unpackaged food in a Spokane restaurant must hold a valid Washington Food Worker Card, obtained by passing an SRHD-recognized course and exam, valid for two to five years.
Washington law requires every food worker who handles, prepares, or serves unpackaged food to hold a Food Worker Card before starting work or within fourteen days of hire. The card is obtained by completing an online or in-person training and passing the exam through the state portal. The first card lasts two years; renewals can extend to three or five years with additional training. SRHD inspectors check for current cards during routine restaurant inspections, and missing or expired cards count as priority violations on the report.
Working without a valid Food Worker Card, or an employer permitting it, can mean inspection violations, reinspection fees, and operational restrictions until cured.
See how Spokane's food handler certification rules stack up against other locations.
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