Yakima County is a vibrant community known for its diverse events and celebrations, many of which feature delicious food. If you’re planning to serve food at a public event in Yakima, understanding the Temporary Food Establishment Permit requirements from the Yakima Health District is crucial. Whether it’s a bustling farmers market, a lively festival, or a community fundraiser, ensuring food safety is paramount, and permits are a key part of this process. This guide will walk you through the essentials of obtaining a temporary food permit in Yakima, ensuring your event is both successful and compliant with local regulations.
Who Needs a Temporary Food Permit in Yakima?
The Yakima Health District mandates that anyone organizing food service for events open to the public must secure a Temporary Food Establishment Permit. This applies whether you are selling food or offering it for free. The requirement is per food booth, meaning “blanket” permits are not issued. Public events are defined broadly and include any event advertised through flyers, banners, newspapers, or other public means. It’s important to distinguish this from private gatherings. Church dinners or club events exclusively for members and their invited guests, which are not publicly advertised, are typically not considered public events requiring permits. Similarly, private weddings or parties where food is prepared privately don’t necessitate a permit. However, if you hire a caterer for any event, ensure they possess a valid catering license and are preparing food in a licensed kitchen. Always request to see their catering license to verify compliance.
Types of Yakima Food Events Requiring Permits
To clarify further, here are some common examples of events in Yakima that typically require a Temporary Food Establishment Permit. This list is not exhaustive, and when in doubt, it’s always best to contact the Yakima Health District’s Environmental Health Help Desk at 509-249-6508 to confirm whether your event necessitates a permit.
- Church bazaars
- Community celebrations
- Fairs, carnivals, and circuses
- Festivals
- Fundraisers
- Holiday craft fairs
- Public exhibitions
- Sports events
Applying for Your Yakima Food Event Permit: Timing is Key
Submitting your application in a timely manner is essential for a smooth process. The Yakima Health District advises submitting your completed application along with the necessary fee at least two weeks prior to your event. This advance notice allows sufficient time for the Health District staff to thoroughly review your application and suggest any necessary adjustments well before your event date. Applying early is strongly encouraged to avoid any last-minute complications. The absolute deadline for application submission is no later than 7 days before the event date. Applications and payments received within 7 days of the event are subject to approval based on staff availability and will incur a $50 late fee. Critically, applications and payments are not accepted within 48 hours of the event, and permits will not be issued on-site. Booths operating without the required permits will be mandated to close, so planning ahead is crucial to ensure your food service operates legally and without interruption.
Sampling Food at Yakima Events: Guidelines to Follow
If you plan to offer food samples at your booth, there are specific guidelines to adhere to for food safety. Sample preparation must be conducted behind the service counter and should be minimal, such as slicing or cutting for immediate sampling. Crucially, all food samples must be protected from potential contamination from both people and the surrounding environment. This protection can be achieved through the use of sneeze guards, plastic wrap, dome lids, or portable fixtures acting as sneeze guards. Samples must be dispensed individually, either in disposable containers or using disposable utensils. For instance, honey can be dispensed directly from a squeeze bottle onto a disposable spoon and then handed to the customer. The use of open “community” containers that lack sneeze guard protection or appropriate utensils for service is deemed unsanitary and is not permitted, as it poses a risk of contamination and potential health hazards.
Exemptions: When You Might Not Need a Yakima Food Permit
While most food service at public events requires a permit, there are certain exempt food items in Yakima County. These exemptions are typically granted to foods that are not conducive to bacterial growth and are generally not implicated in the spread of foodborne illnesses. However, even when dealing with exempt foods, maintaining strict personal hygiene and using clean equipment remains vital to ensure food safety. It is recommended to consult the list of exempt food items provided by the Yakima Health District and verify with an Environmental Health Specialist whether your specific food service qualifies for an exemption. Contacting the EH Help Desk and submitting an application for exemption approval is a necessary step to confirm your eligibility and ensure compliance. Exempt from Permit Application
By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure your food service at events in Yakima is safe, compliant, and contributes positively to the community’s vibrant event scene.
