Major League Pizza, located at 3405-172nd St. NE in Arlington, is one of six Snohomish County food establishments recognized for excellent food safety practices by the Snohomish Health District.

Andy Hansen, owner and manager of Major League Pizza, received the Excellence Award at a public ceremony held February 9 at the health district's auditorium in Everett.

"Snohomish Health District does not give away the Excellence Awards-they are earned," said Rick Zahalka, program manager for the district's Food and Living Environment section. "A safe food supply is a cornerstone of our society. It is imperative that food service establishments do not cut corners on food safety."

Major League Pizza was the winner in the Limited Menu Establishment category. Other award-winners were Ixtapa of Lynnwood for Full Menu Establishment; U-Kawa Teriyaki of Mill Creek for Fast Service Establishment; Haggen Food & Pharmacy #55 in Stanwood for Grocery Store; Camp Kalsman of Arlington in the School/Industry/Institution category; and Snohomish Lions Weenie Wagon of Snohomish for Temporary Food Establishment.

Snohomish Health District created the Excellence Awards program in 1989 as a positive reinforcement of its restaurant and food service inspection program. The public health agency's 10 food facility inspectors work with more than 3,300 food service establishments in the county, from espresso stands and taco wagons to sit-down restaurants with complex menus. It also monitors food preparation at 25 local fairs and festivals in the summer months. Each operation must meet strict health standards for sanitation to maintain its permit.

A 24-member food advisory panel of industry peers considered 22 food service establishments nominated by health district inspectors for the Excellence Awards. The panel includes restaurant owners, operators and chefs.