Annandale High School Recognized For Excellent Food Safety

ANNANDALE, VA—Many places pass health inspections throughout the year with minimal or no violations, but it's quite an accomplishment to be named one of the safest in the county. Families in Annandale can especially breathe easier knowing one of these is a public school.

Annandale High School was awarded a "14 Carrot Gold Food Safety Excellence Award" from the Fairfax County Health Department. It was among nine other places receiving the honor for excellent food safety and employee education practices. Health department records show the high school has passed most inspections without violations over the past five years.

Environmental health specialists chose the winners among 3,400 permitted establishments. Eligible places cannot have any critical violations during inspections within the last two years and no more than six non-critical violations in the past year. Eateries are nominated for the award by members of the public, health inspectors or others in the food service industry.

“We instituted this awards program to recognize food service facilities that place a high importance on food safety practices and policies, " said environmental health director Pieter Sheehan. "While every food service facility is required to meet minimum food safety requirements, these 10 establishments are to be commended for going above and beyond to safeguard their patrons from the risks of foodborne illness.”

Here are all 10 winners:

• Annandale High School, 4700 Medford Dr., Annandale
• FLIK at Freddie Mac HQ4 Café, 1551 Park Run Dr., McLean
• Atrium Catering & Event Design, 263 Sunset Park Dr., Herndon
• Aurora House Girls Group Home, 420 South Maple Ave., Falls Church
• Five Guys Burgers and Fries, 8971 Ox Road, Lorton
• Moe’s Southwest Grill, 5005 Westone Plaza, Chantilly
• Qdoba, 10338 Main St., Fairfax
• Ruby Tuesday, 7692 Richmond Highway, Alexandria
• Simply Elegant, 11600 Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston
• Wegman’s Food Markets, 11620 Monument Dr., Fairfax

The health department regularly conducts restaurant inspections, with the frequency depending on the type of food served and how it is prepared. (For local restaurant inspections and more local stories, subscribe to Patch's daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

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