RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Two dining facilities on base were awarded the Randolph Air Force Base 2010 Silver Plate Award for Excellence in Sanitation in both the large and small facility categories.
First Lt. Michael Scannon, 359th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Public Health Officer, said the Rendezvous Dining Facility earned the award in the large facility category, while Spare Time Grille in the Randolph Bowling Center earned it in the small facility category. Charley's Grilled Subs in the Randolph Base Exchange earned an honorable mention.
The award applies only to 902nd Mission Support Group food facilities and the facility must have been open for the entire rating period.
Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Woodland, 359th AMDS, Public Health Flight, said the Silver Plate Award recognizes food service facilities on base that maintain high scores in overall cleanliness and food handling during the entire calendar year of 2010. The top facilities scored "satisfactory" or better on every inspection, which are every month.
The 359th AMDS, Public Health Flight, does the food inspections and they look for violations of the Food and Drug Administration Food Code such as food handling procedures, proper food holding temperatures and food storage, same as inspectors in the civilian world. They also look for cross-contamination in food storage and preparation areas.
In addition to the kitchen and storage areas, inspectors also look at the food handlers themselves to determine if they know how to properly and safely handle food. Food inspectors consider the personal hygiene of the food handlers as well.
The inspectors take the overall sanitation of the facility into account when rating a facility. If the facility looks clean, the food is cooked and stored at proper temperatures and food handlers are ensuring the safety of food products the facility passes their inspection.
Sergeant Woodland said all of the food facilities on base are clean but some "receive more 'excellent' ratings than other places."
"The best thing to say is that Spare Time Grille is very happy to have won this award," said William Baker, 902nd Force Support Squadron. "The staff earned it due to their hard work and I'm glad their efforts are being recognized. They deserve it. "