Kent nail salon owner wants to revisit fish-pedicure issue

On Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008, Peridot Nail Salon issued a press release to the local media to let our customers know that we were going to offer fish pedicures, or fish baths, starting Friday, Sept. 19.

Although new to Kent, this procedure has been done for years in Turkey and Asia before coming to the United States earlier this year.

We were excited to be one of the first in the area to offer this innovative treatment, and we received a lot of media attention and customer support.

As a result of the publicity, representatives of the Department of Licensing visited our salon and told us to stop the treatments.

We were told the fish pedicures were in violation of the Washington code that regulates minimum safety and sanitation standards for manicurists.

Prior to offering the procedure, we researched it and have documentation that shows that the fish baths are safe and sanitary.

We have a system in place that changes the water between pedicures to ensure that there is no unhealthy residue or waste in the tank.

We also have a large supply of fish which allows us to swap fish between customers. In addition, we have a UV system in place that filters the water before it goes into the drainage system which addresses the Department of Fish and Wildlife concerns.

We want our customers and the community to know that we disagree with the state’s decision, and we are requesting a hearing to present our side.

While we await the Department of Licensing’s decision to hold a hearing, we have received a lot of support from our customers, many who said they will sign a waiver to have the treatment anyway.

Although we can’t do that without the state’s approval, we want to thank the community for its overwhelming support.

It is good to know that our customers, and fellow business owners, believe in us and know that we would never jeopardize their health or safety.

Tuyet “Tweety” Bui

Co-owner

Peridot Nail Salon