Health Inspections
Inspection scores are determined by the health inspector at the time of inspection. Using the Washington State Department of Health inspection form, Health Code violations are worth a certain number of points, ranging from 2 points - 25 points. Violations are also categorized by color: Red points are high-risk, or critical violations; Blue points are violations that are considered low risk.
Food Inspection ScoresWhen Does a Food Establishment Fail?
Based on Whitman County Enforcement Procedure, a food establishment fails a routine inspection when specific violations have been found. They will also fail if certain violations are recurring between two consecutive routine inspections. An establishment may also fail if an imminent health threat outside of these violations is present in the establishment.
View Inspection Form here.
Enforcement Procedure Summary
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Routine Inspection
All food establishments in Whitman County are subject to routine inspections based on the Whitman County Public Health Risk-Based Inspection Schedule. If the following violations (corresponding to the Inspection Form linked above) are found during a routine inspection, the inspection is considered a failure:
- 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20
Additionally, any repeat violations from the previous routine inspection will constitute a failed inspection.
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First Re-inspection
First re-inspections occur within 30 business days. All violations cited at the previous inspection will be re-inspected. A re-inspection fee approved by the Board of Health will be charged. A failed first re-inspection will result in a second re-inspection.
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Second Re-Inspection
Second re-inspection will occur within 10 business days. All violations cited at the previous inspection will be re-inspected. A re-inspection fee approved by the Board of Health will be charged. A failed second re-inspection will result in permit suspension.
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Permit Suspension
During permit suspension, a food establishment must not be open for business. The permit holder must provide a written statement to WCPH describing the correction of violation(s). A re-inspection will be performed within five business days at a fee approved by the Board of Health. If passed, the establishment may reopen. If failed, the permit remains suspended.
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An Additional Routine Inspection
An additional routine inspection will be conducted within 30 days of a second re-inspection and/or reinstatement of a suspended permit.
Food Service Applications
Interested in starting up a restaurant, food truck, catering business, or other food service establishment in Whitman County? See below for information on start up, regulations or requirements.
Food Service Establishment Plan Review Application
If wishing to complete the form by hand, download, print and email the Food Service Establishment Application to EH@whitmancounty.net.
Catering Plan Application
If wishing to complete the form by hand, download, print and email the Catering Plan Application to EH@whitmancounty.net.
Mobile Unit Application
If wishing to complete the form by hand, download, print and email the Mobile Unit Application to EH@whitmancounty.net.
Commissary Application
If wishing to complete the form by hand, download, print and email the Commissary Application to EH@whitmancounty.net.
Donated Food Distributing Organizations Application
If wishing to complete the form by hand, download, print and email the Donated Food Distributing Organizations Application to EH@whitmancounty.net.
Food Service Establishment Permit Renewal Application
If wishing to complete the form by hand, download, print and email the Food Service Establishment Permit Renewal Application to EH@whitmancounty.net.
Pet Dogs Variance Application
If wishing to complete the form by hand, download, print and email the Variance Application for Pet Dogs in Food Establishments to EH@whitmancounty.net.
Temporary Food Events
A Temporary Food Establishment operates at a fixed location, with a fixed menu for no more than 21 consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration such as Lentil Festival, Sprint Boat Races, County Fair, weekend event, etc; OR no more than 3 days per week in conjunction with an approved, recurring, organized event. Examples of TFE’s: food vendors at fairs, community events, craft shows, sporting events, fundraisers by community organizations, food samplers and demonstrators at approved events.
Event Requirements
Event Application
You need a temporary food establishment permit to sell, sample or give away food. In 1 location up to 21 days in a row and for 1 public event (like a fair or festival).
Event Exemption Application
You need a temporary food establishment permit to sell, sample or give away food. In 1 location up to 21 days in a row and for 1 public event (like a fair or festival).
Whitman County Approved Kitchens
Click below to view the vendors currently licensed as approved kitchens, mobile units, caterers and community vendors.
If you are interested in becoming licensed, see the Food Service Application section of this page.
Food Safety Certifications
All food service employees in Whitman County are required to hold a current Washington State Food Handler Permit. This helps to ensure that all employees are equipped with the Food Safety knowledge they need to help protect the public.
Food Workers Card
Who does this apply to?
You are a food worker if you work with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or with any surface where people put unwrapped food.
NEHA - Food Safety
Who does this apply to?
Often employed in any retail food environment as a quality assurance or quality control manager, facility manager, food-safe chemical supplier, or regulatory inspector/investigator.
ServSafe - Food Handler
Who does this apply to?
Washington State requires that all food workers have food safety training before handling food served to the public.
ServSafe - Manager
Who does this apply to?
The ServSafe Manager Certification verifies that a manager or person-in-charge has sufficient food safety knowledge to protect the public from foodborne illness.
ANSI Certified Food Protection
Who does this apply to?
These ANSI Certified Food Protection courses are required for each food establishment to have at minimum one employee obtain.