Working in the food industry in Washington State comes with the responsibility of ensuring food safety for the public. A key component of this is obtaining a Food Handlers Card Washington, officially known as a Food Worker Card. This card proves you’ve completed mandatory food safety training, equipping you with the knowledge to handle food safely and prevent foodborne illnesses. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting your food handlers card in Washington, ensuring you’re compliant and confident in your role.
Who Needs a Food Worker Card in Washington?
If your job involves working with food in Washington State, chances are you need a food worker card. Specifically, you’re considered a food worker if you handle:
- Unpackaged food: This includes preparing, serving, or handling any food that isn’t sealed in its original packaging.
- Food equipment and utensils: Cleaning and handling dishes, cookware, and other tools used in food preparation and service also requires a card.
- Surfaces where unwrapped food is placed: This can include countertops, cutting boards, or any surface that comes into contact with food served to customers.
Essentially, if your work puts you in a position to impact the safety of food served to the public, you need a food worker card.
Is a Food Worker Card Mandatory in Washington?
Yes, absolutely. Washington State law, specifically Chapter 246-217 WAC, mandates that all food workers must possess a valid food worker card. It’s not just a suggestion – it’s a legal requirement for anyone working in food service within the state. You’re required to keep your card, or a copy of it, with you at your workplace. Health inspectors routinely check for these cards during food safety inspections to ensure compliance and protect public health.
Can I Begin Working Before Obtaining My Food Worker Card?
While it’s essential to get your food handlers card, Washington law allows a grace period. You can start working in a food establishment for up to 14 days before you have your card, provided your employer offers you food safety training within this period. However, this is a temporary measure. You must obtain your official food worker card within those first 14 days to continue working legally.
Where Can I Get My Washington Food Handlers Card?
The official source for obtaining your food handlers card Washington is through local health departments. These departments are authorized to provide the required food safety training, administer the exam, and issue your card upon successful completion. The great news is that a Washington State Food Worker Card is valid throughout the entire state. So, if you get your card in one county and move or change jobs to another, your card remains valid.
To find your local health department and their specific procedures, you can visit the Washington State Department of Health website or search online for “[your county name] health department food worker card”.
Can I Get a Food Handlers Card Online in Washington?
Yes, obtaining your food handlers card Washington online is a convenient and widely available option. All local health departments in Washington offer online food worker training, testing, and card issuance. However, it’s crucial to use the official online program: www.foodworkercard.wa.gov. This is the only state-authorized website for online food handler training and certification. Be wary of other websites that may appear to offer similar cards, as they are not valid in Washington State and will not meet legal requirements.
If you encounter any technical difficulties with the online training, test, or printing your card, the official website offers a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. You can also contact the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department for support at [email protected] or 1-800-204-4418.
What is the Cost of a Food Handlers Card in Washington?
The cost for a food handlers card Washington is currently $10. This fee covers the training, exam, and issuance of your card. Once you receive your card, it’s recommended to keep the original in a safe place and provide a copy to your employer for their records.
Is My Food Handlers Card From Another State Valid in Washington?
No. Washington State requires its own food handlers card for anyone working as a food worker within the state. A food handler card or permit from another state is not accepted in Washington. Even if you have a valid card from another state, you must still obtain a Washington State Food Worker Card to be legally employed as a food worker in Washington.
Is There a Study Guide Available for the Food Safety Exam?
Yes! To help you prepare for the food safety training class and exam, the Washington State Department of Health provides a Food and Beverage Workers’ Manual. This manual serves as a study guide and covers all the essential information you need to know. The manual is available online and in seven languages, including Braille upon request, ensuring accessibility for everyone. It’s highly recommended to review this manual before taking the training and exam to increase your chances of success.
What Should I Do If I Lose My Food Handlers Card?
Losing your food handlers card Washington can happen. If you obtained your card online through www.foodworkercard.wa.gov, you can easily request a replacement. Simply revisit the website, select your language, and choose the “Returning User” option. You’ll need to enter your registration information and answer your security question exactly as you initially set it up. Then, select “Replace My Valid Food Worker Card”. A replacement fee may apply.
If you obtained your card through an in-person class, you’ll need to contact the local health department that issued your card. They can guide you through their specific process for obtaining a replacement.
How Often Do I Need to Renew My Food Handlers Card in Washington?
Your first food handlers card Washington is valid for two years from the date of issuance. Before it expires, you are required to retake the food safety training class and pass the exam again to renew your card. Subsequent renewal cards, after your first one, are valid for either 3 or 5 years, depending on whether you pursue additional food safety training.
Can I Renew My Food Handlers Card Early?
Yes, you can apply for a renewal food handlers card even if your current card is still valid, as long as it’s less than 2 years old. Specifically, you can renew if your current card will expire within 1 to 60 days after you obtain your renewal card. When applying for an early renewal, you will typically need to show your current valid card as proof.
Do Renewal Cards Last Longer Than My First Card?
Yes, renewal food handlers cards are valid for a longer period than your initial card. Standard renewal cards are valid for 3 years from the issue date. This means you won’t need to renew as frequently after your first card. To obtain a 3-year renewal, you simply need to retake the food worker training class and pass the Washington State exam before your current card expires.
Is There a Longer Renewal Option for Enhanced Food Safety Training?
Yes, Washington State offers an incentive for food workers to pursue additional food safety training. If you have a current, valid food handlers card and can demonstrate that you’ve completed approved “additional food safety training” within the past two years, you can qualify for a 5-year renewal card. This extended validity period rewards those who invest in further developing their food safety knowledge.
Can I Get a 5-Year Food Handlers Card Online?
Yes, you can even apply for a 5-year renewal food handlers card Washington online. To do so, you’ll need to send proof of your successful completion of “additional food safety training” within the two years prior to your renewal to [email protected]. For any questions about the 5-year card or the application process, you can call 1-800-204-4418 for assistance.
What are the Requirements for a 5-Year Food Handlers Card?
To qualify for a 5-year renewal food handlers card, you must meet two key requirements:
- Standard Renewal Requirements: You must successfully complete the standard requirements for renewal, which involves attending a food safety training class and passing the exam.
- Additional Food Safety Training: You must provide proof of successfully completing approved “additional food safety training” within the 2 years preceding your renewal date. For example, if your renewal card is issued on March 1, 2020, the additional training must have been completed on or after March 1, 2018.
By fulfilling these requirements, you can benefit from the extended 5-year validity of your food handlers card, demonstrating a commitment to advanced food safety practices.
Still Have Questions?
For any further questions about food handlers cards Washington or food safety training classes, it’s best to contact your local health department’s food safety program directly. They are the most knowledgeable resource for specific requirements and procedures in your area. You can find contact information for your local health department on the Washington State Department of Health website. Ensuring you have a valid food worker card is not just a legal obligation, but a crucial step in protecting public health and maintaining safe food service environments throughout Washington State.
