What's Happening?
Department of Health Rulemaking – 2023 Model Ordinance Adoption
On December 18, 2024, the Department filed a proposed amendment to WAC 246-282-005, Sanitary Control of Shellfish, Minimum Performance Standards. The department is proposing to amend 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).
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 WAC 246-282-005(1)(a) currently references an outdated 2019 version of the guide.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.
Get Involved!
Formal Comment Period – December 18, 2024 through February 5, 2025
Review draft rules and CR-102 (PDF). Submit written comments to shellfishrule@doh.wa.gov or through the department’s rules comment page.
Public Hearing – February 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Attend the public hearing and let us know what you think! The public hearing will be held virtually, on February 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Register to attend virtually via Zoom.
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. |
Contacts
Kseniya Efremova, Rules Coordinator
Danielle Toepelt, Shellfish Licensing & Certification Section Manager