The St. Charles County health department presented 12 eateries with the 24 Carrot Gold Food Safety Excellence Award for food safety and sanitation, as well as successful employee education.

This is the fourth consecutive year the St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment has recognized local food service establishments for raising the industry standard.

The winners for 2010 are:

— Buffalo Wild Wings, 1285 W. Pearce Blvd. in Wentzville

— Culvers, 1989 Wentzville Parkway in Wentzville

— El Agave Mexican Restaurant, 3823 Elm St. in St. Charles

— Green Tree Elementary School, 1000 S. Fox Hound Drive in Lake Saint Louis

— Penn Station East Coast Subs, 1932 Zumbehl Road in St. Charles

— Pizza Hut, 38 O'Fallon Square in O'Fallon

— Rise And Dine Restaurant, 1814 Wentzville Parkway in Wentzville

— Schnucks, 3029 Highway K in O'Fallon (Dardenne Crossing)

— T. Arcobassos, 1057 Wolfrum Road in Weldon Spring

— The Salvation Army, 2140 N. Fourth St. in St. Charles

— Tony's on Main Street, 132 N. Main St. in St. Charles

— Twin Chimneys Elementary School, 7396 Twin Chimneys Blvd. in O'Fallon

"Excellence in food safety is the norm in St. Charles County," said Pieter Sheehan, director of the Division of Environmental Health and Protection. "One thing the 24 Carrot Gold Awards plainly show is that our county's many food establishments — whether they serve our children, those in need or the community as a whole — place a high commodity on food safety. Every food service facility under our jurisdiction meets food safety requirements, but our award winners are commended for their efforts to exceed the standard."

To be eligible for consideration, recipients cannot have any critical violations and no more than six noncritical violations in the last 12 months. In addition, at least 90 percent of the food facility managers at the establishment must possess valid food safety certification. The facility must also have a valid St. Charles County Food Establishment Permit and be in good standing with the department.

These organizations' commitment to safe food services and community service is illustrated in many ways.

For example, Buffalo Wild Wings regularly provides schools with gift coupons that reward student achievement and exemplifies environmental stewardship by reducing the amount of paper products used in its service. Another highlight is The Salvation Army kitchen, which serves approximately 24,000 meals to those in need throughout the year. Also, Schnucks is recognized for donating food supplies several times a week to Operation Food Search.

Throughout the year, members of the Division of Environmental Public Health and Protection work with area businesses and organizations to promote healthy conditions. To learn more, call 636-949-1800 or visit www.scchealth.org.