Sustained excellence over the preceding four to six years, as documented by specific outcomes and achievements, and evidenced by continual improvements in the basic components of a comprehensive program;

Demonstrated improvements in planning, managing and evaluating a comprehensive program;

Innovative and effective use of program methods and problem solving to identify and reduce risk factors that are known to cause foodborne illness; and

Providing targeted outreach; forming partnerships; and participating in forums that foster communication and information exchange among the regulators, industry and consumer representatives.