The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum qualifications, application approval procedures, list maintenance and reporting requirements for independent sanitation consultants.

The department is given authority under RCW 69.10.055 for adopting these rules.

The definitions for terms used in this chapter may be found in chapters 69.10 and 15.130 RCW and WAC 16-167-050(2). For the purposes of this chapter, the term "we" means department as defined in chapter 69.10 RCW.

The minimum qualifications for an independent sanitation consultant are:

(1) A bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, microbiology, food science, dairy science or a related natural science plus three years experience inspecting food storage warehouses or similar operations for compliance with the Current Good Manufacturing Regulations, 21 C.F.R. part 110 (GMPs); or

(2) Three years of college completed with study in the above subjects plus five years experience inspecting food storage warehouses or similar operations for compliance with the GMPs; or

(3) Two years of college completed with study in the above subjects plus seven years experience inspecting food storage warehouses or similar operations for compliance with the GMPs; or

(4) Eight years experience inspecting food storage warehouses or similar operations for compliance with the GMPs plus verifiable training in pest control, cleaning practices, food storage warehouse inspection or application of the GMPs.

The steps in applying for approval as an independent sanitation consultant are:

(1) Obtain an application from the department.

(2) Complete the application, listing your qualifications.

(3) Each applicant must sign the application and have his/her signature notarized.

(4) Return the application to the address on the application.

(1) On approval of an application for independent sanitation consultant, the department will send an identification card and place the name of the independent sanitation consultant on a list of approved independent sanitation consultants that is available on request from the department.

(2) If the department is not able to approve an application for independent sanitation consultant, the department will notify the applicant and explain why within twenty-five working days after receiving the application.

The department will maintain a list of approved independent sanitation consultants. The names of approved independent sanitation consultants will stay on the list as long as they continue to indicate that they wish to remain on the list. The department will mail out information requests by April 1st of each even-numbered year to all approved independent sanitation consultants.

(1) To remain on the list, the independent sanitation consultant must fill out the request with current information, indicate that they want to remain on the list and return it to the department no later than May 1st.

(2) To be removed from the list, the independent sanitation consultant should return the request indicating they no longer wish to be listed as an approved independent sanitation consultant by May 1st. Failure to return the request will also result in being removed from the list.

(3) It is the responsibility of the independent sanitation consultants to notify the department of address changes. If the department is unable to locate an independent sanitation consultant at the address or telephone number provided, that name will be removed from the list.

(4) A name will be returned to the list upon receipt of the request and new information.

The department may withdraw or deny approval of independent sanitation consultants or applicants under the following circumstances:

(1) For failing to meet the minimum qualifications in WAC 16-168-050.

(2) For knowingly making false or inaccurate statements regarding qualifications on an application.

(3) For failing to accurately report violative conditions present in food storage warehouse at the time of inspection.

(4) For knowingly making or acquiescing in false or inaccurate statements on inspection reports as to the date of the inspection, findings, corrective actions taken, or any other statement material to the compliance status of a warehouse.

Applicants and approved independent sanitation consultants have the right to appeal denial of approval or withdrawal of approval as an independent sanitation consultant under provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedure Act and chapter 16-08 WAC, the department's practice and procedure rules.

Independent sanitation consultants can meet reporting requirements by using a standard food storage warehouse inspection form provided by the department or by using their own form if it covers and indicates visual inspection of at least the following points: