PDFWAC 110-300-0198
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.
[WSR 18-15-001, recodified as § 110-300-0198, filed 7/5/18, effective 7/5/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.215.070, 43.215.201 and chapter 42.56 RCW. WSR 18-14-079, § 170-300-0198, filed 6/30/18, effective 8/1/19.]