2021 Excellence in Food Safety Awards Winners

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The year 2020 forced the restaurant industry to rethink everything. With little warning, lockdowns stretched across the U.S., causing restaurants to close their doors temporarily. When reopening was permitted, operators scrambled to implement new safety measures, adapt to off-premise dining, and navigate ever-changing occupancy guidelines. 

Food safety has taken center stage in this new era, making the 2021 Excellence in Food Safety Awards even more significant. Steritech honored these organizations for their outstanding leadership in food safety. 

2021 EFSA Winners

As the industry cautiously moves toward recovery, there’s a new challenge: hyper-aware consumers with a heightened focus on health, hygiene, and safety—especially when it comes to food. As we introduce this year’s winners, we celebrate their exceptional leadership in food safety as the industry steps into a new chapter of heightened safety and standards.

2021 Winner

Panda Express, the largest Chinese fast-casual chain in the U.S., earned the 2021 Excellence in Food Safety Award for its outstanding behind-the-scenes initiatives. While its open kitchens showcase visible food safety practices, the company's leadership and culture truly set it apart. Every one of the chain's 39,000+ employees receives the same rigorous training, reinforced by an online training portal with video case studies. Panda Express also innovates with special equipment, such as custom induction units and improved rice holding systems, to maintain food safety standards.

2021 Honorable mention

MOOYAH earned an honorable mention for its comprehensive food safety program. Despite being a growing franchise with 100 locations, MOOYAH ensures food safety is a priority from senior leadership to restaurant-level teams. Franchisees undergo training, supported by a virtual curriculum and a quarterly newsletter, "Moo Mail," to reinforce food safety. In response to COVID-19, MOOYAH quickly implemented enhanced sanitation measures, which remain part of its operations. 

2021 Honorable mention

For the second year in a row, Chipotle earned an honorable mention for its unwavering commitment to food safety. The chain's focus on healthy, sustainable food is reflected in its careful sourcing of organic, local produce and its recognition of suppliers who meet its food safety standards. With HACCP-certified field leaders and innovations like Bluetooth thermometers and digital wellness check-ins, Chipotle continues to lead the industry in food safety practices.

To learn more about the 2021 EFSA, download the report below. Or click here to view our other years winners.

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