Updated 09/15/08

For more information, e-mail us or call (360) 902-1876

WSDA works with local county health districts, the state Department of Health, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration to protect the safety of the food supply. 

WSDA works to prevent the consumption of contaminated food products, which maintains public confidence in the food supply and protects the integrity of our domestic and foreign markets. 

Food defense requirements

The Bioterrorism Act of 2002 requires anyone who manufactures, processes, packs, distributes, receives, or holds food for consumption in the U.S., to: 

• Register with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by Dec. 12, 2003. 
• Create and maintain records that FDA determines are necessary to identify where the food came from and where it was distributed. 

Food defense guidance

To evaluate your operations for food defense, review the Food Defense Preventive Measures Guidance issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration March 21, 2003.

• Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters
• Importers and Filers
• Retail Food Stores and Food Service Establishments 

Report suspicious behavior

Consumers, operators and employees of food retail, distribution, storage, and processing facilities are the first line of defense against suspicious activities. 

If you observe suspicious activities or it appears that someone has tampered with products, contact:

• Local law enforcement
• Local State Patrol office 
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 24-hour emergency line (301) 443-1240.

Food Regulatory Agencies

In Washington State

• Washington State Department of Health 

• Washington state local health departments

• Seattle-King County Health Department 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• U.S. Department of Agriculture 

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration 

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

Additional resources

Information and links for the general public.

[Top of Page]