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A MOTION acknowledging receipt of a report on streamlining food business permitting process, in accordance with the 2025 Annual Budget Ordinance, Ordinance 19861, Section 104, Proviso P1.
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WHEREAS, the Washington State Retail Food Code as adopted in King County BOH Title 5, requires that all foods sold to the public be evaluated and permitted by public health - Seattle & King County, and
WHEREAS, the number of street vendors selling food to the public without permits has been increasing in King County since 2023, and
WHEREAS, the food and safety program, within public health - Seattle & King County is responsible for the safety of all retail foods sold in King County, and has been investing resources aimed at helping street foods vendors overcome permitting barriers, and
WHEREAS, the food and safety program recognizes that the key barriers in the food permitting process include knowledge gaps, limited access to commissary kitchens, uniform permitting requirements, limited permitting options, and financial challenges, and
WHEREAS, starting 2025, the food and safety program has launched four initiatives in an effort to lower permitting barriers;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
The receipt of the report on streamlining and improving the food business permitting process to reduce barriers for small food businesses seeking permits, Attachment A to this motion, in accordance with the 2025 Annual Budget Ordinance, Ordinance 19861, Section 104, Proviso P1, is hereby acknowledged.