LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 5, 2026) – St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) has announced 108 recipients of the 2025 Gold Star Award Program. Each year, environmental health specialists at the health department regularly inspect licensed food service facilities in St. Mary’s County and recognize those that demonstrate outstanding compliance with food safety standards. 

The Gold Star Program recognizes food service facilities that go above and beyond minimum food safety regulatory requirements to protect public health. Award recipients have shown consistent excellence in food safety practices, sanitation, and operational standards that help prevent foodborne illness and promote a safe dining environment for community members.

Gold Star eligibility is determined during routine inspections conducted by SMCHD environmental health specialists. Facilities must meet rigorous criteria to qualify, including:

• No critical violations, as defined by Maryland regulations
• No temperature control violations during monitoring inspections
• Correction of all cited violations within 30 days
• No confirmed complaints related to unsafe food handling
• At least one staff member completing an approved food safety training within the past two years

“These establishments work hard to ensure food safety in our community,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “Their commitment to high standards helps prevent illness and ensures residents can dine with confidence.” 

Awardees were recognized at the Gold Star Awards event during National Public Health Week; the recording is available on the St. Mary’s County Government YouTube channel. A full list of Gold Star Award recipients is available at:  smchd.org/environmental/food-safety/gold-star-program.

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