Food Protection Program
401 5th Ave, Suite 1100 | Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-263-9566; Toll-free: 800-325-6165, ext. 3-9566

The Food Protection Program reviews and approves construction plans for retail food establishments in King County; such as restaurants, caterers, grocery stores, school cafeterias and mobile food vehicles. The Food Protection Program also reviews applications for farmer's markets, temporary food booths as well as feeding programs for the needy.

Select a type of food establishment that best describes your business to learn more about how to obtain a food business permit:

	Permanent food establishment A permanent food business is an establishment operating at a fixed location for more than twenty-one (21) consecutive days.
	Temporary Food Establishments A temporary food business is an establishment operating at a fixed location for not more than twenty-one (21) consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration or operating not more than 3 days a week in conjunction with a recurring organized event.
	Mobile Food Establishments Mobile Food Establishments include food carts, trailers, and trucks as well as food kiosks. Before constructing, remodeling, or changing ownership; mobile food establishment owners must submit plans for review and approval.
	Catering and home-based food establishments Catering and home-based food businesses need a food service permit to legally prepare and serve food as hired prior to private parties and events in King County.
	Farmers Markets
	Wine and distillery tasting rooms

	Cottage Food and Wholesale food operations are regulated by the Washington State Dept. of Agriculture.
	Food operations and bake sales that do not need permits (food exemptions)

	Food Worker Card class and test All employees of a food establishment including cooks, bartenders, servers, hosts, bus persons, etc. are required to obtain a Washington State Food Worker Card. You can take the class and test conveniently online or go to any of our in-person classes.
	Meat Cutter license If your job requires the cutting of fresh beef, veal, lamb and/or pork within a meat establishment you will need to pass an exam to obtain a personal occupational Meat Cutter license in addition to the Food Worker Card exam.

	Get Food Business email updates As a subscriber, you'll get an email alerting you of significant information posted to this page.
	See complete list of food business fees
	For food service operators and employees: Read the Menu Review 2011 (PDF)