Walla Walla County, WA Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)

Section 8.32.040(H) sets the food worker card fee within the county's broader food program fee schedule, adopted by the Board of County Commissioners acting as the Walla Walla County Board of Health. The card itself costs $10.00, described in the code as a fee mandated by WAC 246-217-025; replacing a lost card costs $5.00. These cards apply across every category of permitted food operation the chapter regulates, including restaurants, grocery stores, mobile and vending units, caterers, bars and taverns, wineries, bed and breakfast kitchens, and concession stands.

Section 8.32.035 sorts those establishments into Category 1 through 3 based on eleven listed risk factors, such as bare-hand contact, cold or hot holding, cooking, cooling, and service to a highly susceptible population, and Section 8.32.040(A) ties annual restaurant permit fees to that category at $535.00, $615.00, or $800.00. Section 8.32.015(A) reinforces the fee structure by barring a renewal permit for any establishment carrying an outstanding balance with the Department of Community Health until every owed fee is paid. Establishments that begin operating, or that continue operating past renewal deadlines, without a valid permit face escalating service-fee surcharges under Section 8.32.040(K)(8), on top of the base card and permit fees.