Where do I clean utensils?

For one day events, bring enough extra utensils for the following: to change out utensils every four hours, to replace dropped utensils and to replace other contaminated utensils. You must  change utensils that come in contact with potentially hazardous foods every four hours if utensil cleaning facilities are not available on site.

If your event is more than one day and you are applying for a temporary food establishment permit, you need to have a plumbed three compartment sink or commercial dishwasher to wash and sanitize utensils. If the event venue does not have a plumbed three 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 three compartment sink at the event site. Whatcom County does not allow the three tub method for utensil washing and sanitizing at temporary events.

Show All Answers

1. Do I need a permit to operate a restaurant, grocery store, tavern or similar facility?
2. I just bought a food establishment business, what permits do I need from Whatcom County Health and Community Services?
3. I am planning to open a restaurant or other food establishment in Whatcom County, what should I do first?
4. What is a temporary food establishment?
5. What events require a temporary food establishment permit?
6. What permits do I need to sell food at a fair, festival or community event?
7. What is a public event?
8. What forms of payment do you accept?
9. How do I receive my permit?
10. Do I still need a permit if I am not charging for the food?
11. Where do I obtain a food worker card?
12. I have a current food worker card, do I still need a temporary food establishment permit?
13. I am organizing an event and I want to invite multiple food vendors. What do I need to do?
14. I am a permitted caterer in Whatcom County, do I need a permit to offer food at an event?
15. What type of equipment do I need to operate a temporary food establishment event?
16. 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?
17. 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?
18. What permit do I need to operate at the Northwest Washington Fair (NWWF)?
19. What type of produce am I allowed to offer at a temporary food establishment event?
20. Where do I clean utensils?
21. My proposed menu requires advanced preparation of food, can I make and prepare food at home?
22. Can I cook food, cool it down and reheat it later for service?
23. I would like to have a petting zoo at my event: what are the requirements?
24. Do I need any additional permits to have a temporary food establishment event?
25. How do I find out more information?