Food Protection Program
Environmental Health Division
401 - 5th Avenue, Suite 1100 [MAP]
Seattle, Washington 98104-2333
Phone: 206-296-4632
Public Health - Seattle & King County's Food Protection Program aims to promote healthy people and healthy communities through education and regulation of food service establishments.
In Seattle and King County, there are nearly 10,000 "permitted" permanent food establishments, including restaurants, food and espresso carts, coffee shops, delis and the fresh food sections of grocery stores. Each of these establishments has owners, managers and employees who have passed a test on handling food safely and received a food worker card. In addition, Health and Environmental Investigators inspect establishments several times each year and, if requested, offer an educational session for staff.
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Hot topics:
Recently questions have been raised about the safety of diacetyl, a butter flavor substitute commonly found in cooking oils. Please see the following to find out more:
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Inspection reporting system
Learn about Public Health's Restaurant Inspection Reporting System, search the inspection records of King County food establishments, learn about safe food handling practices as well as when and why Public Health closes food establishment.
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Food worker permit and class schedule
Find out how to obtain a Food Worker's Permit and where to go for training testing. The online study guide is available in English, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese.
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How to start a food business in King County
Information and local contacts for starting and maintaining a food business including catering, mobile food carts, food worker's card, meat wrapper's permit process, food service establishment plan guide and fee table, applications for permanent and temporary food service, and more.
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Food Safety Streaming Videos
New videos you can watch from your computer on no-bare-contact and "Food Safety Basics for Working Healthy" to help prepare you for passing the exam to get your Food Worker Card.
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Food safety fact sheets
Explanations of common food borne diseases as well as information and fact sheets on what you can do to protect yourself and your family at home.
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Myths and misunderstandings about food safety
Did you know that bad smell, bad taste and slime are signs that the food has lost its quality, but not that it has the germs to cause foodborne illness? Learn more about common myths about food safety.
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Questions about the Food Protection Program
Learn about Public Health's Food Protection Program, inspection of food establishments, safe food handling, and much more.
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External food safety links |
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food finds
 The Danger Zone
Indicates at which temperatures food should be held to prevent from foodborne illnesses.
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 Picnic food safety tips
The bacteria that cause illness grow on moist, usually protein-based foods that are between 41º F and 140º F, so minimize the time you allow these foods to stay at these temperatures.
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 Healthy Eating for Lifetime
What we choose to eat can have a direct affect on our ability to enjoy life to its fullest. This is true for everyone, despite his or her age and current health.
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