2023 Excellence in Food Safety Awards Winners

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Steritech hosted the 2023 Excellence in Food Safety Awards during the Fast Casual "Top 100 Movers and Shakers" ceremony in Chicago. This year marked the fifth edition of the awards recognizing restaurants for their strong food safety practices, including leadership commitment, effective communication, and rigorous training.

At Steritech, we believe that successful food safety requires a collective effort from all levels of an organization. Food safety should be deeply ingrained in the company culture, not just a compliance task. It must be seen as essential for protecting customers and enhancing the brand’s image and performance. 

2023 EFSA Winners

In 2023, restaurant operators have faced numerous challenges, from COVID and supply chain issues to labor shortages and rising costs. However, there’s a silver lining: a renewed focus on quality. While price has long been a top consideration for diners, recent data shows that quality is regaining importance. This shift provides an opportunity for brands to emphasize food safety and stand out in a competitive market.

The winner and honorable mentions of this year's Excellence in Food Safety Awards are leading the way in this effort.

2023 Winner

Chipotle has grown to over 3,200 locations, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a strong food safety culture. The brand’s commitment to food safety extends from supplier standards to employee training and public transparency. Notable achievements include its comprehensive food safety culture, supplier collaboration, and the establishment of an industry-leading Food Safety Advisory Council. Chipotle’s dedication to food safety, supported by extensive initiatives and a commitment to transparency, earned it the top honors in the 2023 EFSA.

2023 Honorable mention

MOD Pizza has rapidly developed a robust food safety program. Despite being one of the younger brands, MOD Pizza excels with thorough training, strong leadership support, and a comprehensive food safety playbook. Their food safety approach includes well-defined key performance indicators, weekly performance reviews, and a community-driven system for sharing best practices. 

2023 Honorable mention

Five Guys, a repeat EFSA honoree, received an Honorable Mention in 2023, marking its fourth recognition in five years. Five Guys stands out for its comprehensive food safety training integrated into all sessions and custom checklists tailored to each restaurant’s needs. The brand’s use of key performance indicators and scorecards for data-driven improvements, such as enhancing manager training based on performance insights, demonstrates its commitment to food safety excellence.

To learn more about the 2023 EFSA, download the report below. Or click here to view our other years winners.

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Download the 2023 Excellence in Food Safety Report

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Steritech leading the way in food safety excellence

In today’s health-focused world, food safety is crucial and can significantly impact your reputation. With over 30 years of experience, Steritech offers top-notch solutions to ensure your brand delivers exceptional safety standards. Contact us to elevate your food safety practices and protect your reputation!