Who needs a food worker cards and the certified food protection manager in Washington?

Issued by Your local health jurisdiction, under chapter 69.06 RCW and WAC 246-215-02107, at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

9 of the 20 kinds of business in Washington

Every worker who handles unwrapped food, utensils or food contact surfaces holds a Washington food worker card within 14 days of starting. Since the 2022 food code took effect, an establishment that cooks raw animal foods, cools cooked foods, uses specialized processes or serves a highly susceptible population also needs a certified food protection manager; the manager certificate does not replace the worker card. The person in charge must show food safety knowledge at every inspection.

Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Your local health jurisdiction, under chapter 69.06 RCW and WAC 246-215-02107.

Sources and dates

Chapter 69.06 RCW (food worker cards); WAC 246-215-02107 (person in charge and certified food protection manager); Department of Health food worker pages. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.