The Environmental Health Division of Orange County has given the Award of Excellence to the cafeterias at Columbus Tustin and Pioneer middle schools, and Beckman High School. The award is given to establishments in recognition of consistently protecting the residents and visitors of Orange County through excellence in food safety and sanitation at the food establishment. This is the second year in a row for Columbus Tustin.

The Award of Excellence Program was implemented in 1999 in an effort to encourage food establishments to strive for excellence in food safety and sanitation practices, and to recognize those who succeed. Award recipients include establishments meeting eligibility determined by the establishment’s inspection reports. The inspection reports from Columbus Tustin, Pioneer and Beckman cafeterias indicate that the food handling practices and overall sanitation at their facilities were outstanding during the past year, according to TUSD Nutrition Services Director Teresa Squibb.