WAC 246-215-240   Examination, hold orders, condemnation, and destruction of food.  (1) The permit holder or person in charge of a food establishment in which food has been improperly handled, stored, or prepared must:

     (a) Voluntarily destroy the questionable food; or

     (b) Contact the regulatory authority to determine if the food is safe for human consumption.

     (2) The permit holder or person in charge of a food establishment must denature or destroy any food if the regulatory authority determines the food presents an imminent or actual health hazard.

     (3) The regulatory authority may examine or collect samples of food as often as necessary for enforcement of these regulations.

     (4) The regulatory authority may, after notice to the permit holder or person in charge, place a written hold order on any suspect food until a determination on its safety can be made and will:

     (a) Tag;

     (b) Label; or

     (c) Otherwise identify any food subject to the hold order and complete a form approved by the department of health for all suspect food.

     (5) The hold order issued by the regulatory authority will include:

     (a) Instructions for filing a written request for a hearing with the regulatory authority within ten calendar days; and

     (b) Notification that if a hearing is not requested in accordance with the instructions provided in the hold order, and the regulatory authority does not vacate the hold order, the food must be destroyed under the supervision of a representative of the regulatory authority.

     (6) When food is subject to a hold order by the regulatory authority, the permit holder and person in charge are prohibited from:

     (a) Using;

     (b) Serving; or

     (c) Moving the food from the food establishment.

     (7) The regulatory authority may permit storage of food under conditions specified in the hold order, unless storage is not possible without risk to the public health, in which case, immediate destruction will be ordered and must be accomplished by the permit holder or person in charge of the food establishment.

     (8) Based upon evidence provided at the hearing, the regulatory authority may either:

     (a) Vacate the hold order; or

     (b) Direct the permit holder or person in charge of the food establishment by written order to:

     (i) Denature or destroy such food; or

     (ii) Bring the food into compliance with the provisions of these regulations.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 43.20.145 and 69.80.060. 04-22-111, § 246-215-240, filed 11/3/04, effective 5/2/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 92-08-112 (Order 261B), § 246-215-240, filed 4/1/92, effective 5/2/92.]