What's Happening?
Department of Health Rulemaking – 2023 Model Ordinance Adoption
The Department of Health (department) adopted an amendment to WAC 246-282-005, Sanitary Control of Shellfish, Minimum Performance Standards. The department amended WAC 246-282-005(1)(a) to adopt by reference the 2023 version of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program’s (NSSP) Guide for the Control of Molluscan Shellfish (guide).
We filed a CR-103 Rulemaking Order (PDF) on March 4, 2025.
The rule becomes effective on April 4, 2025.
Why?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires all shellfish-producing states to follow the most current version of the NSSP guide in order to place molluscan shellfish into interstate commerce. WAC 246-282-005(1)(a) currently references an outdated 2019 version of the guide. An update of WAC 246-282-005(1)(a) is needed so that Washington state remains compliant with the NSSP guide and the molluscan shellfish products from Washington can continue to be placed into interstate commerce.
Rulemaking Files
| Document | What's This? | Date Filed |
|---|---|---|
| CR-102 (PDF) | Announces formal comment period and public hearing. | December 18, 2024 |
| Summary of Changes (Word) | Summary outlining changes from the 2019 NSSP guide to the 2023 NSSP guide. | |
| CR-103 (PDF) | Announces adopted permanent rulemaking. | March 4, 2025 |
| Concise Explanatory Statement (PDF) | Summarizes comments received during the formal comment period. |
Contacts
Kseniya Efremova, Rules Coordinator
Danielle Toepelt, Shellfish Licensing & Certification Section Manager