Anyone handling unpackaged food in Tacoma restaurants must obtain a Washington Food Worker Card within 14 days of hire by passing the state online food-safety course administered through Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
Under WAC 246-217 and RCW 69.06, every food worker in Washington who touches unpackaged food, food-contact surfaces, or utensils must hold a valid Food Worker Card. Workers complete a short online training and pass a 25-question test through foodworkercard.wa.gov, then pay a small fee. The first card is valid for two years; a renewal card after additional training is valid for three years, and a third consecutive renewal can extend to five years. Cards must be available on-site for inspector review by Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department staff during routine restaurant inspections.
Working without a valid card, expired credentials, or failing to produce the card on inspector demand can result in fines, point deductions on color-card scoring, and possible permit action.
See how Tacoma's food handler certification rules stack up against other locations.
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