GOV. MARKELL RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING EATERIES FOR FOOD SAFETY

Eleven of Delaware's most safety-conscious eateries were honored Sep. 30, in Wilmington, at the annual Governor's Awards for Excellence in Retail Food Safety presented by Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Delaware Restaurant Association. Iron Hill Brewery in Newark, the Food Lion in Delmar, and the Culinary School at the Food Bank of Delaware in Newark were all recognized for outstanding practices that reduce the risk of illness by applying science-based food safety regulations.

"Knowing that businesses and organizations are ensuring the safety of food is as important as taste," said Governor Jack Markell. "We appreciate the measures these outstanding members of the food industry are taking every day to make sure their foods are both safe and enjoyable. The food services industry continues to be an important part of our economy here in Delaware."

"One of the core values of the Delaware Restaurant Association and its members is to underscore the importance of effective food safety practices in restaurants, to reassure the dining out public that eating out is safe and enjoyable," said Carrie Leischman, president. "We firmly believe that a commitment to food safety training and education is the path to ensuring that security when dining out."

DPH regularly inspects and permits approximately 3,700 retail food establishments statewide. Governor Markell presented eight honorable mentions and awards in three categories as follows:

Restaurant - This category covers small independent businesses, chain restaurants, fast-food businesses, and diners. Award winner Neil Campbell, general manager, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Newark, is a big believer in educating his staff. Mr. Campbell makes sure that training is provided on proper procedures.

Retail - This category represents grocery stores, retail bakeries and convenience stores. Award winner Tiffany Brittingham, deli manager, Food Lion of Delmar, demonstrates her commitment to providing safe, wholesome food to customers by adhering to policies and procedures that enable her to identify and control hazards before they can cause a problem.

Institutional Food Service - This category represents cafeterias in schools and healthcare facilities, as well as culinary arts training kitchens. Award winner Tim Hunter, executive chef, the Culinary School at the Food Bank of Delaware, demonstrates outstanding food safety knowledge and handling practices. The Culinary School provides valuable job training to unemployed and underemployed individuals, including hands-on training in basic and high-end kitchen skills, safe food handling and life skills.

Nominees are evaluated on the following criteria:

• Development and implementation of standard operating procedures that address the five CDC Risk Factors.
• Providing all employees with specific training to implement the standard operating procedures.
• Providing the necessary resources, equipment, and supplies to implement the procedures.
• Assessment of the procedures to ensure control over all risk factors, critical limits and measurable standards.
• Establishment of monitoring procedures that focuses on critical processes and practices.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.