SOLEDAD — Eden Valley Care Center in Soledad was recently presented with a certificate of recognition from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors for being awarded the prestigious Award of Excellence in food safety from the Monterey County Health Department.
Eden Valley Care Center, which received the Award of Excellence last September, had to meet certain high-level criteria based off the county’s “Gold Seal” requirements.
“The Gold Seal goes to those who go above and beyond what’s required by state law, extra efforts the food facility does that are above what’s required,” said John Ramirez, director of environmental health, who presented the certificate Jan. 25 on behalf of the supervisors.
The Gold Seal has been part of the Monterey County Health Department for about 10 years. Eden Valley Care Center has been continuously recognized with a Gold Seal and had an inspector nominate them.
To qualify for an Award of Excellence, the facility must have five years with the Gold Seal and no major violations of any kind for three years.
“A total of nine (food facilities) have been awarded the Award of Excellence over the last three years,” Ramirez said.
Only three facilities in the county, including Eden Valley Care Center, received the Award of Excellence in 2018.
This year the efforts made by Eden Valley were recognized by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.
“It is an extraordinary effort they put in place,” Ramirez said. “Staff worked hard and are here every day providing food safety.”
Eden Valley Care Center’s food services staff includes nine employees who help serve the residents at the facility.
“The staff have been here for many, many years,” said Eden Valley Care Center CEO David Martinez. “I was very proud of them when they got the first award. I’m even more proud of them now that they have the second award.”
Monterey County Health Department inspects facilities throughout Monterey County, including food trucks.
Eden Valley Care Center is a 59-bed, not-for-profit, skilled nursing facility that opened in 1993, offering quality-of-life amenities for rehabilitation patients and long-term residents. It is located at 612 Main St. in Soledad.
