Food Service Operators to be Recognized
Press release March 25, 2008		printer friendly

Galveston County and Cities – As part of the Galveston County Health District’s observance of National Public Health Week, 46 food service establishments will be recognized for quality food safety practices. “Gold Ribbon” awards will be presented by the District during a ceremony to be held April 9th at the Wayne Johnson Community Center in La Marque beginning at 6:30 p.m. Galveston County Judge Jim Yarbrough and County Health Authority, Dr. Mark Guidry will be on hand to congratulate the 2008 recipients, while Health District staff distribute the awards. The awards were initiated 12 years ago to identify food service establishments that show exemplary compliance with the Texas Food Establishment Rules.

Eight Health District sanitarians inspect more than 1,500 licensed food service operations in Galveston County to assure food safety and protect the health of consumers. Award criteria includes: establishment must actually prepare food, maintain a record of satisfactory food temperatures, must have no confirmed foodborne illness complaints, must have at least one certified food service manager employed, must have no significant number of demerits, must have a good cleaning and maintenance program, have evidence of staff discussions or training, and show special effort to comply with the rules by the use of food safety aids.

After going through an approval process, environmental management staff will examine the nominated establishment's file and sanitation history. They then visit the nominee for an on-site evaluation of the operation.

“We take this opportunity every year to let people know there are food service operators in the community that do a great job,” say Martin Entringer the District’s manager of Consumer Health Services. “Community feedback tells us that people like to know which restaurants and food service providers have safe and exemplary practices. This good news is shared annually through Gold Ribbon Awards."

2008 Gold Ribbon recipients by community are:

Bacliff: Big D’s Texas Style BBQ, K.E. Little Elementary School

Crystal Beach: Crenshaw Elementary

Dickinson: Bay Colony Elementary, Children’s Choice Child Care, Dickinson BBQ Co., Dunbar Middle School, Silbernagel Elementary School

Friendswood: For Children Only Day School, Windsong Intermediate School, Zue Bales Intermediate

Galveston: Bouldin’s Bundle of Bears, Galveston County Senior Citizen Center, Ziegler Head Start, Alamo Elementary School, Central Middle School, Charles B. Scott Elementary, David G. Burnett Elementary, Gladnieo Parker Elementary, L.A. Morgan Elementary, Rosenberg Elementary, Weis Middle school, Koala Kare Day Care Center, Moody Gardens Aquarium Food Court, Starbucks Coffee #10412, Tide Way Lodge

Hitchcock: Harborwalk Yacht Club Restaurant

La Marque: Building Blocks Academy #2, Early Childhood Learning Center, Galveston County Department of Parks and Senior Services, Primo Pizzeria, Star Kids Education and Care Center

League City: Baywind Village Care Center, Clear Creek High School 9th Grade, Bauerschlag Elementary, Denny’s Restaurant, Gilmore Elementary, H.E.B. Bakery and Deli, League City Elementary School, League City Intermediate School, Ludwig’s Catering, Panda Express #1244, Victory Lakes Intermediate School

Texas City: Ashton Parke Care Center, Simms Elementary
 

For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
(409) 938-2211 or 409-392-0007
kkoopman@gchd.org