AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

2005 NH "Dear Administrator" Letters

September 23, 2005

ADSA: NH #2005-029
Food SERVICE Equipment and Facilities

Dear Nursing Facility/Home Administrator:

Effective May 2, 2005, Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-215 - Food Service adopted new standards for certain food service facilities and equipment.

New standards for mechanical dishwashing equipment are specified in section 4-5 of the 2001 Food Code, Maintenance and Operation. New temperature standards for cooling and storing food are specified in section 3-5 of the 2001 Food Code, Limitation of Growth of Organisms of Public Health Concern.

Section 8-101.10 Public Health Protection allows a facility to continue to use equipment that was being used prior to May 2, 2005 if the existing equipment:

• Is in good repair and capable of being maintained in a sanitary condition;
• Continues to meet the requirements of the code in effect prior to May 2, 2005; and
• Is replaced with equipment that meets the current Food Code:
  • In the normal course of operation, such as when it is no longer serviceable or is no longer capable of meeting the requirements of the code in effect prior to May 2, 2005, amended by WAC 246-215-181(1); or
• If the department determines the equipment constitutes a public health hazard.

In addition, if a facility currently has refrigeration equipment that is not capable of maintaining cold foods at temperatures of 41 degrees Fahrenheit or less (3-501.16), the facility must replace the refrigeration equipment by May 1, 2010 with a refrigerator that is capable of maintaining cold food at temperatures of 41 degrees Fahrenheit or less, even if the refrigerator is otherwise serviceable.

In short, the facility must agree and ensure:

• That any food service equipment that is replaced in the normal course of business, including mechanical dishwashers and refrigerators, meets any new requirements of WAC 246-215; and
• Refrigeration equipment in the facility is capable of maintaining cold food at temperatures of 41 degrees Fahrenheit or less by May 1, 2010.

You can access a working copy of the 2001 Food Code as amended by Chapter 246-215 WAC online at http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/sf/food/FoodRuleMain.htm by clicking on “Complete Working Document.”

Please contact your RCS Field Manager if you have any questions regarding requirements for food service facilities and equipment.

Sincerely,

Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services