LEONARDTOWN, MD (Apr. 14, 2014) –The St. Mary’s County Health Department presented Gold Star certificates to 26 food service facilities who achieved superior food safety standards during 2013 at an awards ceremony held April 9^th in Leonardtown.  Dr. Meena Brewster, Health Officer, presented the awards.  St. Mary’s County Commissioner President Jack Russell and Robin Finnacom, Acting Director at the Department of Economic and Community Development, also congratulated award recipients.

“Educating about proper food safety techniques and prevention of foodborne illnesses are key components of our Gold Star Program,” says Brewster.  “Routine monitoring of food establishments – including restaurants and catering businesses, school cafeterias, and other food service facilities are vital public health services that help us avoid foodborne outbreaks.”

The Gold Star Program has recognized food establishments for superior compliance to food safety standards with this annual award since its inception in 2007.  A team of environmental health specialists at the health department help keep the risk of foodborne illness low through education and inspections of over 400 restaurants in St. Mary’s County.  Using advanced technology, the specialists record and track safety compliance during these inspections.

“The Gold Star Program recognizes the conscientious efforts of food establishments and lets the public know about food service facilities that have demonstrated exceptional attention to public health safety and sanitation,” stated Vic Krasnokutsky, Environmental Health Specialist Manager at the health department.  “These establishments deserve to be recognized for achieving such high standards.”

The food establishments that achieve this high level of compliance receive a certificate and a window sticker designating them as Gold Star establishments.  The requirements to earn a Gold Star are:

• No critical violations (based on COMAR 10.15.03)
• No temperature violations cited during a monitoring inspection
• All violations noted by an inspector must be corrected by a 30-day follow-up inspection
• No confirmed unsafe food handling complaints
• At least one food service worker completed a recognized and approved “Food Service Sanitation and Safety Class” within the last two years

“Both the food establishment and the public win when high standards are achieved, rewarded and made known,” said Alan Shick, Food Safety Program Supervisor.  “In addition to facility inspections, the health department also provides safe food handling classes for food service workers twice a year to promote food safety education.”

For more information about the Gold Star Program and for a list of the 2013 Gold Star Award winners, please click here.