Wash. Admin. Code § 170-300-0198

Current through Register Vol. 24-23, December 1, 2024

Section 170-300-0198 - Food preparation areas

(1) An early learning provider or staff must clean and sanitize food preparation areas and eating surfaces before and after each use, pursuant to WAC 110-300-0241(1)(a).

(2) In an early learning program's food preparation area, kitchens must:

(a) Have walls, counter tops, floors, cabinets, and shelves that are:

(i) Maintained in good repair including, but not limited to, being properly sealed without chips, cracks, or tears; and

(ii) Moisture resistant.

(b) Have a properly maintained and vented range hood, exhaust fan, or operable window; and

(c) Have a properly maintained and working refrigerator, freezer, or a combination refrigerator and freezer with sufficient space for proper storage and cooling of food.

(3) An early learning provider must:

(a) Have at least eight feet between the food preparation area and any diaper changing tables or counters and sinks used for diaper changing;

(b) Clean and sanitize a sink immediately before using it to prepare food to be served to children in care;

(c) Use a colander or other method to prevent food and kitchen utensils from touching the sink basin; and

(d) Clean dishes, pans, baby bottles, and kitchen utensils as follows:

(i) Cleaning and sanitizing with an automatic dishwasher that uses heat or chemicals to sanitize; or

(ii) Handwashing, rinsing, sanitizing, and allowing to air dry.

(4) Center early learning programs licensed after the date this chapter becomes effective must have:

(a) A handwashing sink separate from dishwashing facilities;

(b) A food preparation sink located in the food preparation area; and

(c) A method to clean and sanitize dishes, pans, kitchen utensils, and equipment in the food preparation area using:

(i) A two-compartment sink and an automatic dishwasher that sanitizes with heat or chemicals; or

(ii) A three-compartment sink method (sink one is used to wash, sink two is used to rinse, sink three contains a sanitizer, and the dishes are allowed to air dry).

(5) An early learning provider may use the kitchen for actively supervised cooking or food preparation activities with children in care.

Wash. Admin. Code § 170-300-0198

Adopted by WSR 18-14-079, Filed 6/30/2018, effective 8/1/2019