443-523-1700
Environmental Health is responsible for the licensing and inspection of food service facilities (restaurants, grocery stores, bars, mobile food trucks, food services at fairs & events, and bed and breakfasts).
cottage food law
A cottage food business (or a home-based business) is defined in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 10.15.03 as a business that:
a) produces or packages cottage food products in a residential kitchen; and
b) has annual revenues from the sale of cottage food products in an amount not exceeding $50,000.
For more information about what foods can be sold under cottage food regulations, visit the official Maryland Cottage Food Businesses site or read these guidelines.
Polystyrene (STYROFOAM) ban
Effective July 1, 2020 all polystyrene aka Styrofoam containers used in food service establishments will be banned to protect the environment. For the details and a link to the Maryland Department of Environment’s webpage follow this link
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BAN
STAKEHOLDERS NOTICE IN SPANISH
COVID-19 FOOD SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR HOME AND BUSINESs
Temporary food service permits are required for fairs and events. There are 3 categories of permanent food service facilities. Category 1 (High priority) is inspected 3 times per year, Category 2 (Medium priority) is inspected 2 times per year, and Category 3 (Low – Prepackaged temperature controlled food items only) is inspected once every 2 years.
Complaints concerning the food facilities located in Somerset County are investigated.
- Food Safety On the Move
- Salmonella Awareness
- Food Safety.gov
- Processing & Selling Value Added Food Products in Maryland