Recognition of Excellence in Food Safety
The Recognition of Excellence in Food Safety is awarded to Sonoma County
retail food establishments that demonstrate an outstanding commitment
to food safety. In January, the previous year’s food safety record
for each establishment is reviewed. Qualifying establishments receive
a certificate and window sticker to promote their food safety record
to the public.
The Recognition of Excellence in Food Safety was developed with the Food
Industry Advisory Forum (FIAF). Since 1994, FIAF has been successful
in fostering a cooperative working relationship between the food service
industry and the Environmental Health Division.
Criteria to qualify
A. Allowable number of violations:
A maximum of 5 violations with no major critical
violations and no more than 1 minor critical
violation for the following categories:
Category 01 Food establishments selling prepackaged, nonpotentially
hazardous food
Category 02 Minimal-risk food establishments (espresso shops, small grocery
stores, taverns)
Category 03 Moderate-risk food establishments (fast food restaurants, bakeries)
Category 05 Bed and Breakfast Inns
Category 15 Mobile Food Facilities (hot dog carts, espresso carts)
A maximum of 5 violations with no more than 1 critical, either major
or minor for the following categories:
Category 03 with multiple units
Category 04 High-risk food establishments (full service restaurants, supermarkets)
Category 06 Mobile Food Preparation Units (hot lunch trucks)
A maximum of 6 violations with no more than 1 major critical or 2
minor criticals for the following category:
Category 04 with 1 – 2 multiple units
A maximum of 6 violations with no more than a total of 2 criticals,
and no more than 1 major critical in any single section of the establishment
for the following category:
Category 04 with 3 or more multiple units
B. Administrative requirements that all categories must meet to qualify:
- Compliance with food safety certification
requirements.
- Compliance with potable water requirements for food
establishments with private wells.
- Food Facility Permit posted in a conspicuous place.
- A notice advising patrons that the
last inspection report is available for review is posted in public
view. The most recent inspection report is available for review at
the establishment.
- No confirmed foodborne illness outbreaks (by U. S. Centers for Disease
Control standards) at the establishment during the previous year.
- The previous year’s permit was not delinquent and there are
no outstanding fees.
If you have any questions about the Recognition of Excellence in Food
Safety, please contact Jerry Meshulam, Environmental Health Program Manager,
at (707) 565-6540 or jmeshula@sonoma-county.org.
Retail Food Facility Inspection Results
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