Seattle Parents' Food Safety Compliance Guide

King County Health Department Licensing & Requirements

All food service facilities in Seattle must obtain a license from the King County Department of Public Health before operating. Establishments must comply with the Washington State Food Code, which covers food handling, storage temperatures, employee hygiene, and pest control. License types vary by operation—restaurants, food trucks, catering companies, and institutional cafeterias each have specific requirements and inspection frequencies. The health department maintains a public database where parents can verify current license status and review inspection history for any food facility. Seattle's regulations are among the strictest in the nation, requiring documented training in food safety for food handlers and managers.

Inspection Processes & How Parents Access Results

King County performs routine and follow-up inspections of all licensed food facilities, typically annually for low-risk establishments and multiple times per year for higher-risk operations. Inspectors check for violations across critical areas: temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, employee health practices, and chemical storage. Inspection reports are publicly available through the King County Health website and include violation details, severity levels, and corrective actions. Parents can search by facility name, address, or cuisine type to review scores and violation history. Critical violations—such as improper temperature control or evidence of pests—must be corrected immediately and verified by re-inspection before the facility can remain open.

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