Section 246-215-08520. Investigation and control—Procedure when disease transmission is suspected.

(1) When a possible foodborne illness incident is reported to any FOOD EMPLOYEE, the PERSON IN CHARGE of the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT shall:

(a) Immediately report the incident to the REGULATORY AUTHORITY; and

(b) Remove from sale and refrigerate any suspect FOODS until released by the REGULATORY AUTHORITY.

(2) When the REGULATORY AUTHORITY suspects that a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT, or its EMPLOYEES, might be the source of a foodborne illness, the REGULATORY AUTHORITY shall take appropriate action to control the transmission of disease. This action may include any or all of the following:

(a) Secure records that might enable identification of persons potentially exposed to the disease, or require additional assistance in locating such persons;

(b) Secure the illness history of each suspected EMPLOYEE;

(c) EXCLUDE any suspected EMPLOYEE from working in the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT until, in the opinion of the REGULATORY AUTHORITY, there is no further RISK of disease transmission;

(d) Suspend the PERMIT of the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT until, in the opinion of the REGULATORY AUTHORITY, there is no further RISK of disease transmission;

(e) RESTRICT the work activities of any suspected EMPLOYEE;

(f) Require medical and laboratory examinations of any FOOD EMPLOYEE and of his/her body discharges;

(g) Obtain any suspect FOOD for laboratory examination;

(h) Require the destruction of, or placement of a hold order on, all suspected FOOD; and

(i) Limit, substitute, or restrict menu items or FOOD handling practices that might be associated with causing illness.

(3) The provisions of chapter 246-100 WAC, Communicable and Certain Other Diseases, apply.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 13-03-109, § 246-215-08520, filed 1/17/13, effective 5/1/13.]

RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 13-03-109, § 246-215-08520, filed 1/17/13, effective 5/1/13.

Rules

246-100,