Lincoln County Safe Tables and Restaurants (S.T.A.R.)
What is it?
Lincoln County S.T.A.R. is a food safety incentive program designed to recognize local food establishments that demonstrate outstanding food safety practices by meeting criteria established by the Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD).
To qualify as a S.T.A.R. member, an establishment must demonstrate a high level of food safety knowledge and consistent compliance with food safety standards during a twelve-month evaluation period. The evaluation period will run from January 1 to December 31 of each year, during which time inspectors will continue to conduct their routine inspections while also checking for S.T.A.R. compliance.
LCHD currently conducts 2 routine inspections per year for permitted food establishments. Establishments that wish to become a S.T.A.R. member must notify LCHD that they are opting into the program. Participation is voluntary, and establishments are not required to participate.
What does it take to be a Safe Tables and Restaurants (S.T.A.R.) Member?
S.T.A.R. members must meet the following criteria established by LCHD:
Inform LCHD that they are opting into the program
Have 2 or fewer Priority or Priority Foundation violations within a 12-month period (covering 2 routine inspections).
Priority and Priority Foundation violations are those directly associated with an increased risk of foodborne illness, such as temperature control issues and poor employee hygiene.
No more than 3 Core violations during any routine inspection.
Core violations generally relate to good retail practices and facility maintenance.
The establishment must maintain a valid health permit and remain in good standing with LCHD throughout the entire 12-month evaluation period.
The establishment must have a Certified Food Protection Manager present on site during each routine inspection.
The establishment may not have a valid complaint or confirmed foodborne illness outbreak during the 12-month evaluation period.
The establishment’s operating permit may not be suspended during the 12-month evaluation period.
Exceptions may include suspensions due to flood, fire, loss of utilities, or other imminent health hazards, provided the establishment immediately and voluntarily ceases operations upon discovery of or notification of the hazard.
How will I know which establishments are participating in the S.T.A.R. program?
You may view establishments that are participating by following this link:
Check back soon for an updated list of those participating
Starting in January 2027, you will also be able to see who earned the S.T.A.R. designation from the 2026 evaluation period by looking for this badge in local establishments.