Fairfax Health Dept. Recognizes Excellence in Food Safety

RELEASE: The Fairfax County Health Department has presented nine local food service establishments with “14 Carrot Gold” Food Safety Excellence Awards. The honor recognizes establishments that demonstrate consistent food safety practices and promote food safety education among their employees.

“Food service establishments are critical public health partners that ensure food safety in our community,” said Fairfax County Health Department Director of Environmental Health Pieter Sheehan in a statement. “We’re pleased that the vast majority of the establishments in our community maintain high food safety standards, particularly those we’re recognizing this year.”

The 2014 recipients of the Fairfax County Health Department’s “14 Carrot Gold” Food Safety Awards are:

• Al-Maza (10427 North St., Fairfax)
• Latino Pollo a La Brasa (7028 Commerce St., Springfield)
• Maple Ave Restaurant (147 Maple Ave., Vienna)
• Mazadar Restaurant (11725 Lee Hwy., Fairfax)
• Moby Dick House of Kabob (444 W. Broad St., Falls Church)
• Pan Am Family Restaurant (3043 Nutley St., Fairfax)
• Panera Bread (6670 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria)
• Sugar Palm Thai Restaurant (5580 Vincent Gate Ter., Alexandria)
• Westfield High School (4700 Stonecroft Blvd. Chantilly)

Award recipients must meet criteria:

• Received no critical violations at the completion of all inspections conducted during the past two years;
• Received no more than six non-critical violations during inspections conducted in the last year;
• Employees (other than the certified food manager) are able to explain and/or demonstrate proper food handling procedures related to the operation; and
• Hold a valid Permit to Operate a Food Service Establishment from the Fairfax County Health Department and be in good standing with the department.

Food service establishments may be nominated for a “14 Carrot Gold” Food Safety Excellence Award by members of the industry, members of the public or Health Department inspectors. An awards team of Health Department staff review nominations and select winners.

The Fairfax County Health Department regularly inspects more than 3,800 food service establishments in Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. Learn more about inspections and food safety by visiting the Health Department’s website.