For eateries in Flathead County, a voluntary grading system has been in place for years, handing out letter grades like schools.

For a few locations, getting an “A” was not enough.

The Gold Star Program started last year by the Flathead City-County Health Department rewards some of these retail food establishments for going well above and beyond what is required of them.

Currently, just two establishments have applied for the Gold Star award: Costco and IHOP on U.S. 93 North in Kalispell. Costco earned the award while IHOP is in the process.

Kate Cassidy, the Flathead County sanitarian, said other businesses were interested as well, since the award is a symbol of extreme cleanliness and management.

“The facility really goes into the management control and awareness of their operation,” she said. “They go above and beyond of what is expected for food safety control.”

If a business consistently gets top marks in the grading scale, it is sent a letter encouraging the establishment to apply, along with the criteria to be considered a Gold Star retail operation.

A business must earn three consecutive “A” or better grades on unannounced visits to be considered. Managers at the establishment must be trained and certified from a recognized food safety course and an employee training program needs to be in place for food safety.

Meticulous record-keeping and a plan to deal with potentially hazardous food ingredients must be put in place as well.

“I think it emphasizes a little more food safety,” Cassidy said.

For their efforts, the business gets a Gold Star placard to be prominently displayed, along with recognition from the Flathead City-County Health Department.

Reporter Ryan Murray can be reached at 758-4436 or rmurray@dailyinterlake.com.