Clay County Public Health Center Announces Food and Pool Safety Excellence Award Winners

In a press release, Clay County Public Health Center announced the recipients of the Food Safety Excellence and Pool Quality of Excellence Awards for outstanding efforts in 2021.

“We are grateful for the hard work these establishments put in last year to not only meet but exceed the health department’s high standards of safety,” said Robert Gilliland, section chief of Environmental Health Protection. “We appreciate their partnership with us to protect the public from food-borne illnesses, waterborne illnesses and other hazards.”

Food Safety Excellence Award

This award recognizes food establishments that continue to successfully follow the Clay County Food Code, exhibit outstanding food safety and sanitation practices, and achieve exceptional inspection results during the calendar year. In order to qualify for the award, they must meet multiple criteria such as having been open and operating for the full year with no repeated violations, no follow-up inspections needed, and no confirmed cases of foodborne illnesses.

In 2021, the Environmental Health Protection section of Clay County Public Health Center conducted 1,350 routine food establishment inspections, 176 temporary food event inspections and investigated 106 food-related complaints. This year’s winners represent the top 11% of establishments overseen by Clay County Public Health Center.

Excelsior Springs Establishments Recognized for Excellence

Clay-Ray Veterans Association
Lewis Elementary School
Ventana Gourmet Grill/Bakery

Pool Quality of Excellence Awards

This award recognizes facilities that continue to successfully follow the Clay County Rules and Regulations for Pools/Spas, exhibiting pool quality and safety practices and achieving exceptional inspection results during the calendar year. In order to qualify for the award, multiple criteria must be met such as having been open and operating the full year with no repeated violations, no follow-up inspections needed, all necessary pool operator/manager certifications, no confirmed cases of water-borne illnesses, no imminent risk or safety violations, and Virginia Gram Baker (VGB) compliant.

In 2021, the Environmental Health Protection Section of Clay County Public Health Center conducted 406 routine recreational water inspections. Facilities qualifying for the 2021 Pool Quality of Excellence Award represent 29% of Clay County- regulated recreational water facilities.