Food Safety FAQ
Q: Does Lewis County offer food worker classes in other languages?
A: The online food worker class is available in English, Spanish, Korean, Russian, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Cambodian. The Washington State Food and Beverage Workers’ Manual (also known as the food workers’ book or the food handlers’ book) is available in English, Spanish, Korean, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Punjabi.
Q: How do I contact the Food Safety Program?
A: Information line: (360) 740-1222
Fax: (360) 740-1472
Inspectors:
Meredith Jones
Meredith.Jones@lewiscountywa.gov
John McFadden
John.McFadden@lewiscountywa.gov
Q: I work in a restaurant kitchen. Do I have to stay home when I have a cold? When I have the stomach flu? When I cut my finger or scrape by hand?
A: You must not work in food service when you have a cold, severe allergies or any sort of stomach flu or diarrhea. Call your employer and let them know that you are ill and should not be around food. Only return to work when all your symptoms are gone. Sometimes your manager may find work for you to do while you are recovering from a cold or severe allergies that keep you away from the food such as sweeping the parking lot.
Cuts and scrapes should be bandaged and a glove should be worn over the bandaged area at all times.
Q: What is the smoking ban I-901?
A: Smoking is now prohibited in public spaces and most work places as well as within 25 feet of all door, windows and air intakes. This amendment to the Washington State Clean Indoor Air Act took effect December 8, 2005. Complaints can be directed to the Food Safety Program.
Q: Where can I get a copy of the Food Code?
A: Copies of the Food Code are available at the Health Department office or by clicking here.
Q: Does everyone serving food at an event have to have a current food handlers permit?
A: A supervisor overseeing the servers at a temporary event must always be present and must have a current food workers card with them. But not every person serving food needs to have a food workers card.
Q: Our group is going to sell hot dogs and hand-dipped ice cream cones at our clubhouse over the weekend. Do we need a permit?
A: Yes, you need to apply for a Temporary Food Service Permit and you must follow the food safety guidelines on the second page of the application to ensure that no one gets sick at your event.
Q: We want to sell soda in cans and popcorn. Do we need a permit?
A: There are a few food items that are exempt from a food permit: Examples are: popcorn, cotton candy, caramel apples and vegetable samples. Therefore you may not need a permit; however you must submit an Application for Exemption from Permit. To see if you qualify for an exemption permit call (360) 740-1222.