FOOD PROTECTION PROGRAM
The Food Protection Program is responsible for ensuring that all retail food service facilities in Howard County serve food that is free from disease or contamination. Our Program licenses facilities such as restaurants, grocery and convenience stores, and school cafeterias. Additional licenses are also issued to mobile and temporary food vendors operating within Howard County.In addition to inspecting and monitoring retail food facilities, we also assist State and Federal authorities with food recalls, and illness investigations.
FOOD REGULATIONS
Maryland State Division of Food ControlMaryland State Law Regarding Food Service Facilities (COMAR 10.15.03)
Revised Food Service Facility Regulations
In July 2008, Howard County passed a resolution (ENR CR66-2008) to update existing regulations for food service facilities. Changes in the Howard County food regulations became necessary after both the FDA and State of Maryland updated their food codes. The resolution provides updated definitions used in the regulations. In addition, a previous requirement to have staff at food facilities complete a certified food manager program was expanded to now require trained staff to be present at higher risk facilities during all operating hours.
In addition to the resolution, a corresponding change to the County Health Code was made to update references to the food regulations and food handling provisions. The resolution became effective on July 7, 2008, but several clauses in the resolution do not take effect until September 1, 2008.
To view, or save a copy of the regulations you can click on the following link:
Bill No. 48-2008
(http://www.co.ho.md.us/CountyCouncil/CCdocs/ENRCB48-2008.pdf)
Resolution No. 66-2008 (http://www.co.ho.md.us/CountyCouncil/CCdocs/ENRCR66-2008.pdf)
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)
FOOD INSPECTIONS
Our Program has upgraded this website to provide you with more detailed information about the food inspections we conduct. You may now find inspections for each of the retail food facilities in Howard County by clicking on the picture below. The inspection reports include a summary of violations that were found, but do not currently include the inspectors comments on the violations.Please note that this website only includes inspections beginning July 1, 2008. We encourage you to check back often if the facility you are interested in does not currently have any inspections posted. All inspections will be posted no later than 30 days following the date the inspection occurred.
HEALTHY RESTAURANTS
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In April 2007, Howard County launched the Healthy Howard - Restaurants initiative in an effort to encourage restaurants to improve the health of the county’s residents and workers. If you own or operate a restaurant and would like to become a “Healthy Restaurant”, or if you would like to learn more about how this initiative is making a difference click here. |
INFORMATION / FACT SHEETS
(PDF Format - Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Covered Dish AffairsFood Service Facility Information:
Mobile Food Service RequirementsPit Beef/Charcoal Pit RequirementsSnowball Stand RequirementsStandards for the Dispensing of Food from Temporary FacilitiesPlan Review Process for Foodservice FacilitiesFORMS AND APPLICATIONS
(PDF Format - Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Click Here For Temporary Food Establishment ApplicationFood Service Manager Card ApplicationPublic Information Requestor general food safety issues you may contact us at:
410-313-1772
or toll free at
1-866-313-6300.
Or you may send an e-mail to
askhealth@howardcountymd.gov
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