Section 246-215-06570. Methods—Prohibiting animals (2009 FDA Food Code 6-501.115).

(1) Except as specified in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, live animals may not be allowed on the PREMISES of a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT.

(2) Live animals may be allowed in the following situations if the contamination of FOOD; clean EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS; and unwrapped SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES cannot result:

(a) Edible FISH or decorative FISH in aquariums, shellfish or crustacea on ice or under refrigeration, and shellfish and crustacea in display tank systems;

(b) Patrol dogs accompanying police or security officers in offices and dining, sales, and storage areas, and sentry dogs running loose in outside fenced areas;

(c) In areas that are not used for FOOD preparation and that are usually open for customers, such as dining and sales areas, SERVICE ANIMALS that are controlled by the disabled EMPLOYEE or person, if a health or safety HAZARD will not result from the presence or activities of the SERVICE ANIMAL;

(d) Pets in the common areas of institutional care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, or residential care facilities at times other than during meals if:

(i) Effective partitioning and self-closing doors separate the common dining areas from FOOD storage or FOOD preparation areas;

(ii) Condiments, EQUIPMENT, and UTENSILS are stored in enclosed cabinets or removed from the common dining areas when pets are present; and

(iii) Dining areas including tables, countertops, and similar surfaces are effectively cleaned before the next meal service; and

(e) In areas that are not used for FOOD preparation, storage, sales, display or dining, in which there are caged animals or animals that are similarly confined, such as in a variety store that sells pets or a tourist park that displays animals.

(3) Live or dead FISH bait may be stored if contamination of FOOD; clean EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, and LINENS; and unwrapped SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES cannot result.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 13-03-109, § 246-215-06570, filed 1/17/13, effective 5/1/13.]

RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 13-03-109, § 246-215-06570, filed 1/17/13, effective 5/1/13.