The first crop of Masterton food businesses to be recognised in two categories, excellence and merit - in an initiative launched by Masterton District Council health officers - received their awards this week.
At a presentation in the Frank Cody Lounge on Wednesday, Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson presented the awards to the food outlets deemed to have "gone far beyond what is required by law".
Twelve businesses awarded certificates of excellence were said by Mrs Patterson as being "great examples of food safety against any other food outlet in New Zealand".
She said the 15 businesses receiving certificates of merit exceeded the required standards and "genuinely understand food safety".
"When they were visited earlier this year, a few minor suggestions were picked up for them to work on to achieve the outstanding standard of excellence next time around," Mrs Patterson said.
