February 26, 2020
Contact: Doug Bolnick, Public Information Officer, 636-949-7408
ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MO – To recognize outstanding efforts for food safety, sanitation and employee education by licensed food providers, the St. Charles County Division of Environmental Health and Protection is pleased to present its annual 24 Carrot Gold Food Safety Excellence Awards.
The following nine establishments are receiving the award for excellence in 2019:
- APPLEBEE’S NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL + BAR – 2921 Veterans Memorial Parkway, St. Charles
- CENTERPOINTE HOSPITAL – 4801 Weldon Spring Parkway, Weldon Spring
- GROTTO GRILL – 5074 Highway P, Flint Hill
- POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP – 1950 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles
- RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS – 7821 Highway N, Dardenne Prairie
- RUMA’S DELI – 1500 Elm Street, St. Charles
- STEFANINA’S PIZZERIA & RESTAURANT – 3002 Winghaven Boulevard, O’Fallon
- STONE SOUP COTTAGE – 5809 Highway N, Cottleville
- TEQUILA MEXICAN RESTAURANT – 2641 Muegge Road, St. Charles
“During routine inspections on several occasions throughout the year, the 2019 24 Carrot Gold Food Safety Excellence Award recipients demonstrated that they place a high value on the well-being of their customers through consistently good practices by their employees,” Division Director Ryan Tilley says. “Far too often, we only hear about food providers in a negative light for low-quality service and/or poor conditions. Our 24 Carrot facilities — both this year’s winners and previous recipients — are shining examples that hard work and care for customers pays off.”
To be nominated for this award, a facility must possess a valid St. Charles County Food Establishment Permit and be in good standing with the Department of Public Health. Winners cannot have critical inspection violations within the year or accumulate more than six non-critical violations — a remarkable accomplishment considering that inspections occur with no advanced notice for the establishments. In addition, a food safety certification class must be completed by at least 90 percent of the facility’s managers. To view the entire list of award winners since 2007, please visit sccmo.org/24Carrot.
The division’s five Environmental Public Health specialists conduct regular inspections of the more than 1,900 St. Charles County-licensed permanent, mobile and temporary food service providers. Inspections are based on a starting score of 100, with points deducted for various violations. To help customers discover establishments’ food service ratings, the department displays inspection information on its website, sccmo.org/Food, and requires establishments to post their most recent inspections in a prominent location as a part of the Food Code.
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About the St. Charles County Division of Environmental Health and Protection
The Division of Environmental Health and Protection works with residents, area businesses and local organizations to promote healthy conditions in St. Charles County. Division staff conducted more than 3,000 facility inspections, collected more than 1.4 million pounds of recyclable material and provided mosquito control treatment across the county to prevent the spread of disease last year. To learn how the division helps to ensure the community’s well-being please call 636-949-1800 or visit sccmo.org/environmental.
About the St. Charles County Department of Public Health
Through the efforts of its three divisions — Environmental Health and Protection, Health Services and Humane Services — the St. Charles County Department of Public Health provides a wide range of services that enhance the well-being of a community that ranks among the healthiest counties in Missouri. To learn how the department assists this region or to find out about volunteer opportunities with any of the divisions, visit sccmo.org/PublicHealth or call 636-949-7400.
About St. Charles County
Founded in 1812, St. Charles County is one of the fastest growing counties in Missouri, and the state’s third largest county in both population and economic share. It is home to 15 scenic county parks, encompassing more than 3,643 acres with additional land under development and more in reserve for future development.
With a population of 395,504, St. Charles County is home to large employers including General Motors, Citi, MasterCard Worldwide and Boeing. It is ranked among the top 25 counties in the nation in high-tech job growth by the Progressive Policy Institute and consistently has the lowest unemployment rate in the Metropolitan St. Louis area.
St. Charles County employs nearly 1,100 in more than 30 departments and offices, who work to make the county an excellent place to live, work and shop. For more information, please visit sccmo.org.