| Thank you for staying connected with EnviroConnections by Maricopa County Environmental Services Department.
This newsletter will be available quarterly and on special occasions. Get all the issues! If you are not yet subscribed, you can sign up now and  this with a friend.
By Robert Stratman, Environmental Health Managing Supervisor @ E.R.O.
Since September is National Food Safety Month, the Environmental Services Department (ESD) wanted to send out an update on a program that exemplifies what food safety means; The Cutting Edge Program.
Starting in 2011, ESD has offered a recognition program called the Cutting Edge Program, which recognizes food service businesses that have developed and implemented strong food safety systems. These high performing businesses understand the value of taking an active approach when it comes to keeping their patrons safe. The data shows that businesses enrolled in the Cutting Edge Program, on average, have a lower incidence of violations during their inspections than businesses that are not enrolled in the program.
The Department values businesses that partner with us to implement the best practices available, which are food safety management systems based on active managerial control (AMC) principles. To recognize businesses that invest in food safety using AMC, the Environmental Services Department has provided enrollees with printed promotional materials as well as uniquely identifying their businesses on both our website as well as the widely popular online Restaurant Ratings search.
The Department will continue to reward Cutting Edge Program members through these methods. Additionally, we want to encourage more food service businesses to make the investment in their business and take advantage of the privileges the Cutting Edge Program has to offer. Along with stakeholder input, the Department has made some improvements to the program that will begin to be rolled out in September, which is National Food Safety month.
During the month of September, Cutting Edge Program members will be emailed a new recognition certificate that will identify the year of their enrollment (check your inbox and spam folders). Businesses will be able to print as many copies they like to display in their business and promote their food safety efforts to their customers. Additionally, the Department has developed new 3”x 3” adhesive clings that can be used to further promote their enrollment in the program. These will be available for both window front as well as inside wall applications.
 But wait, there is more to come. The Department has worked hard to remove any hurdles by streamlining both the application process and the inspection process. Also, Cutting Edge Program members will soon have an opportunity to earn an A+ grade card on inspections!! All of these updates will be coming in early 2020.
If you are not yet a member of this distinguished program and would like to learn more, please visit our website below. Click on the Active Managerial Control tab and scroll to the Cutting Edge Program section. It is free to join and we will help you throughout the entire application process.
https://www.maricopa.gov/5114/Food-Restaurants
September is National Food Safety Education Month. Learn how to be a food safety superhero! Take steps to help prevent food poisoning, and show others how to keep food safe.
Click Here or on image below to watch video in the importance of washing hands, utensils and kitchen surfaces.
Follow Us, Like Us, Watch Us and More!
Maricopa County Environmental Services department is constantly working to make effective use of social media. You can subscribe to our YouTube channel, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram!
Back to Top
|
|
