Anyone working with unpackaged food, food equipment, or utensils in King County must hold a valid Washington Food Worker Card. The card is obtained by passing an online training and exam through Public Health Seattle and King County.
WAC 246-217 and PHSKC require every food worker to obtain a Food Worker Card within 14 days of being hired. Workers complete a short training and exam covering handwashing, illness reporting, temperature control, and cross-contamination, then receive a card valid for two or three years depending on renewal status. Operators must keep current cards on file and present them during inspection. Public Health offers the training in multiple languages online, with proctored options available. Lost cards can be reprinted from the worker's account.
Operating with employees who lack valid cards, failing to produce cards on inspection, or allowing expired credentials results in critical violations, fines, and possible permit action by Public Health.
King County, WA
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See how King County's food handler certification rules stack up against other locations.
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