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Health - Food Vendors / Event Vendors

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1. What is a temporary food establishment?

Temporary food service is defined as a food establishment operating at a fixed location, with a fixed menu, for not more than 21 consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration, such as a fair or festival.

2. What events require a temporary food establishment permit?

Individuals or groups planning to hold events that are open to the public must obtain a permit. The Whatcom County Health Department requires that a temporary permit be obtained for each food booth or vendor operating during an event.

3. What is a public event?

An organized event which is advertised in any way to the public such as flyers, newspaper articles or ads, radio, or social media; open to the public and food is offered. The requirements do not change if the food is being sold for profit or provided at no charge.

4. What forms of payment do you accept?

At this time we accept cash, debit or credit cards. There is a convenience fee on debit and credit card transactions. Payment must accompany the application. Do not email the completed application to our office.

5. How do I receive my permit?

Once we review and approve your permit, we will email you a PDF unless you request otherwise. You will need to print a copy of the permit to post at the event.

6. Do I still need a permit if I am not charging for the food?

Yes, you still need a permit. Permit fees may be waived for meal served to people in need. Contact our office at 360-778-6000 for more information.

7. Where do I obtain a food workers card?

Food worker cards can be obtained online. The cost is $10 paid with a credit card. You may also purchase (cash, debit or credit card) and pick up the food worker card at our office during business hours, but the testing must still be done online. Food Worker Card

8. I have a current food worker card: do I still need a temporary food establishment permit?

Yes, you still need a temporary permit. At least 1 person must have a food worker card and must be present at all times during food preparation and service. A food worker card alone does not allow you to offer food. You also need a temporary food establishment permit.

9. I am organizing an event and I want to invite multiple food vendors, what do I need to do?

You need to complete the coordinator’s checklist. We ask that you submit this paperwork at least one month before your event. You may add food vendors once the application is submitted; just contact our office with the information. Please note that if it less than 14 days before the event, food vendors may be required to pay a higher permit fee.

10. I am a permitted caterer in Whatcom County: do I need a permit to offer food at an event?

Caterers are not exempt from temporary food establishment permits even though they may currently have a permit. Caterers who choose to operate at a temporary event must apply for a temporary food establishment permit.

11. What type of equipment do I need to operate a temporary food establishment event?

In addition to a hand washing sink you need to have enough functioning equipment to keep potentially hazardous food at the proper temperature. The booth must have an overhead cover when located outdoors. You must position the overhead cover or tent so that it is located over storage areas, food preparation, cooking and serving areas. Walls are required when it is necessary to keep food and food equipment protected from the elements.

If you use ice chests ensure you have enough ice to completely submerge food so that it can hold food at 41 degrees F or less. Keep ice chests and refrigerators out of direct sunlight. Equipment must be able to hold food at 135 degrees F or more. Sterno chaffers are not allowed at events unless the event is indoors and less than 4 hours. A thermometer is needed to ensure foods are holding properly and are cooked to the proper temperatures.

For more information on setting up and operating temporary food establishment please see the Checklist for Temporary Food Establishment Operation. Checklist for Temporary Food (PDF)

12. I’m an out of county food vendor: what type of permit do I need to offer food at an event and can I make food at my restaurant and serve it at a Whatcom County event?

Out of county vendors need a temporary food establishment permit. The type of permit depends on menu and duration of event. In addition, complex food preparation may need to occur in a Whatcom County commissary kitchen. Permits

13. I have a current permit for operating a mobile unit in Whatcom County: do I need an additional permit to operate at a temporary event?

Permitted mobile units may operate anytime, anywhere in Whatcom County including events (with the coordinators permission). As long as you bring the mobile unit to the event and are offering the same menu items as listed in your approved plan of operation, no additional permits are needed from our office. Mobile units must have a local commissary kitchen to service the mobile unit.

If you have a mobile unit, but want to operate out of a booth for an event, you must apply for and obtain a temporary food establishment permit, even if the menu is the same. If you are interested in operating a mobile unit please read the Mobile Food Plan Review Packet for more information. Mobile Food Plan Review Packet (PDF)

14. What permit do I need to operate at the Northwest Washington Fair (NWWF)?

If you plan to operate at the NWWF, you will need a NW Washington Fair Permit. These permits are valid for the length of the fair only.
If you have a current temporary food establishment permit (multiple event or a multiple location farmers market permit) you may operate at the NWWF without additional permitting if you offer the same menu items.

15. What type of produce am I allowed to offer at a temporary food establishment event?

Produce must be purchased pre-washed or washed at a commercial kitchen or permitted food establishment. Produce washing is not allowed at the event site unless the venue has a dedicated produce preparation sink. No produce washing is allowed at a residential kitchen.

16. Where do I clean utensils?

If your event is 1 day, bring enough extra utensils to change every 4 hours and to replace any that are dropped or become contaminated. Utensils that come in contact with potentially hazardous foods must be changed every 4 hours if utensil cleaning facilities are not available on site.

If your event is more than 1 day and you are applying for a temporary food establishment permit, you need to have a plumbed 3 compartment sink or commercial dishwasher to wash and sanitize utensils. If the event venue does not have a plumbed 3 compartment sink or commercial dishwasher, you must have a commissary agreement with a local commercial kitchen. If you have a food establishment permit in Whatcom County, you may use your dishwashing facilities for utensil cleaning.

Some menu items, like smoothies made with dairy, soy or protein products, require frequent cleaning and vendors will need access to a plumbed 3 compartment sink at the event site. Whatcom County does not allow the 3 tub method for utensil washing and sanitizing at temporary events.

17. My proposed menu requires advanced preparation of food: can I make and prepare food at home?

You may not make food at home for sale to the public unless it is for a bake sale. If your menu requires advanced preparation it must be done in a commercial kitchen. The kitchen must have the equipment to support your menu. Only foods requiring limited preparation are allowed at the event. You may not prepare any foods on site that require multiple steps or extensive assembly.

18. Can I cook food, cool it down and reheat it later for service?

No, hot food must be made the day of the event, held hot and served. Any leftover hot food must be discarded and may not be saved and reserved to the public.

19. I would like to have a petting zoo at my event: what are the requirements?

Operators of petting zoos, county fairs, pony rides, or any similar settings that encourage contact with animals must post a warning sign for visitors about the potential risk of disease. They are to provide easy access to hand washing stations, or as an alternative, an approved method using hand sanitizers. Signs reminding visitors to wash their hands must also be posted at each exit of animal exhibit. Animal Venue Operator Requirements

20. Do I need any additional permits to have a temporary food establishment event?

The local municipally may require a permit for gathering in a public area or to vend food on a public right of way. Contact the city or county in which you are operating for more information.

21. How do I find out more information?

If you have additional questions, please call our office to leave a message or schedule an appointment. Health Department