Health Agency | Environmental Health

Incentive Program for Retail Food Establishments

The County of San Luis Obispo has an incentive program for food establishments which identifies and awards a certificate to facilities that routinely exhibit excellent food safety and sanitation practices. The award eligibility criteria are determined by several factors including the type of food served, methods of preparation occurring within the facility, as well as the significance of the violations observed during the inspection (if any). Food facility classifications and award eligibility criteria are described below.

Food Facility Classifications

Fixed location food facilities are classified based on factors such as the type of food served, preparation complexity and population served. There are three types: Minimal Preparation, Moderate Preparation, and Full Preparation. Food facility classifications are as follows:

1. Minimal Food Preparation: These are facilities that sell prepackaged food items, prepare or serve non-potentially hazardous foods, heat commercially processed potentially hazardous foods for hot holding, and offer single-use eating and drinking utensils. Examples:

• Farm/Produce stands who sell whole produce
• Prepackaged food markets
• Popping popcorn or warming hot dogs for self-service

2. Moderate Food Preparation: These are facilities that prepare or serve potentially hazardous food for same day service. They also may have reusable customer plates, cups or utensils that require washing and sanitization. Food is not prepared ahead of time; and there is no cooling, thawing, or reheating of food. Examples:

• Fast food restaurants, delis, coffee shops
• Bakeries and donut shops that have baked goods only or dispensing of beverages
• Juice stores or ice cream shops

3. Full Food Preparation: These are facilities that prepare a variety of potentially hazardous foods for same or multi-day use. They may utilize processes such as cooling, reheating, hot or cold holding or thawing. They may prepare foods for highly susceptible populations or foods which should have a consumer advisory. Examples:

• Full-service restaurants or full-service grocery stores with multiple units (i.e. deli, bakery, fish, meat, hot food to go, etc.)
• Sushi restaurants, buffets or salad bars
• Schools that serve children or licensed health care facilities

How Does a Food Facility Qualify for an Award of Excellence?

1. Minimal Preparation Facility - No violations were observed during the routine inspection therefore the facility received a final inspection score of 0.

2. Moderate and Full Preparation Facility – No “critical” or “repeat” violations were observed during the routine inspection and the facility received an overall score between 0 and -2.

Establishments that are Excluded from the Award of Excellence

The Award does not apply to Farmers’ Markets or Community Events. Additionally, Caterers, Temporary Food Facilities, Mobile Food Facilities, Cottage Food Facilities, and Dependent Food Service Operators are not eligible for an award of excellence.