LEONARDTOWN, MD — The St. Mary's County Health Department has announced 103 local food service facilities as recipients of the prestigious 2023 Gold Star awards. This accolade is bestowed annually to establishments exemplifying superior food safety standards. The award ceremony, held on April 2, celebrated these businesses for their commitment to public health, safety, and sanitation.
The Gold Star Program, initiated in 2007, aims to recognize food establishments that go above and beyond in maintaining exemplary health and safety practices. St. Mary's County, home to over 500 food service facilities, conducts approximately 1,500 inspections each year to ensure compliance with health regulations.
To qualify for the Gold Star award, facilities must meet rigorous criteria, including no critical violations as defined by the Maryland Code of Regulations (COMAR 10.15.03), no temperature violations during monitoring inspections, correction of all violations within 30 days, no confirmed complaints of unsafe food handling or food-borne illnesses, and at least one employee completing a recognized Food Service Sanitation and Safety Class within the past two years.
Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary's County Health Officer, praised the award recipients, stating, "These food establishments deserve recognition for achieving such high standards for their attention to food safety, sanitation, and public health. We thank them for their hard work and dedication in preventing food-borne illness."
St. Mary's Caring Soup Kitchen has earned the 2023 Gold Star designation by the St. Mary's County Health Department for its outstanding record of excellence in food safety and sanitation.
The Health Department's commitment to promoting safe food handling practices through the Gold Star Program reflects its dedication to safeguarding the community's health. This initiative not only highlights the importance of rigorous food safety standards but also encourages all food service facilities in St. Mary's County to strive for excellence.
For those interested in learning more about the Gold Star Program or viewing the list of the 2023 award winners, please visit smchd.org/gold-star.
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