Update 07/09/2009

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Applications

• Food Processors Application (PDF 184K)
• Request for Amendment to Food Processors License

Contents

• Regulations

• License Application

• Inspection Procedures

• Licensed Products

• Amending Licenses

• License Issuance and Renewal

Regulations

Please review the enclosed regulations before you complete your Application for a Food Processing Plant License:

• Intrastate commerce in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics Chapter 69.04 RCW;

• Washington Food Processing Act Chapter 69.07 RCW;

• Current Good Manufacturing Practices in Manufacturing, Packing, or Holding Human Food Title 21, CFR, part 110, chapter 1.

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License Application

Complete and send the Food Processor's Application and Attachments A, B, C, D, and E along with check or money order to:

Department of Agriculture
Food Safety & Animal Health Division
P.O Box 42591
Olympia, WA 98504-2591

When WSDA receives your completed application and license fee, a Food Safety Officer will contact you and schedule a meeting with you to inspect your food processing facility. If your facility is not approved for licensing within six months of your application or if you decide not to pursue this business, WSDA will refund your licensing fee.

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Inspection Procedures

Once the Food Safety Officer (FSO) has contacted you to meet with you at the facility, the initial inspection normally takes one to two hours. The FSO reviews all food handling and storage areas of your facility and inspects the product packaging and labeling. Before leaving the facility, the FSO will leave a copy of the inspection report with you. The inspection report will note any areas that require correction. At that time the inspector will also inform you of your licensing status (approved or denied). All subsequent inspections are unannounced visits and will occur every six to twelve months.

Licenses cover only those products, processes, and operations specified in the license application and approved for licensing by the FSO. When a licensed processor wishes to add another type of food product that is different than the products specified on their license, the licensee must submit to the Olympia office, an amendment stating the type of product along with the processing steps, and a copy of the label.

Processors must submit a Request for Amendment to Food Processor Application (PDF 37K)  for the following situations:

• Processing a new type of food requires a major addition to or modification of the licensee's processing facilities;
• Product has a high potential for food safety hazards; or
• As otherwise required by WSDA.

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License Issuance and Renewal

The Food Processor's License is non-transferable. If you sell your business, the new owners must apply for a new license. If you move to a new location you must apply for a new license for the new facility location. Please notify your inspector or the Olympia office if you sell your business or move to a new location.

All licenses expire June 30th of each year,
regardless of the date the original license was issued.

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