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. Licenses are also issued to mobile and temporary food vendors operating within Howard County. In addition to inspecting and monitoring retail food facilities, we assist State and Federal authorities with food recalls and illness investigations.
Opening a New Restaurant or Food Service Facility
If you’re planning to open a food service facility but your concept doesn’t fit standard plan review guidance, the Howard County Health Department offers Wednesday morning time slots to discuss unique plans, operations, or plan review questions with a member of the team. Please call the Food Protection Program at 410-313-1772 to schedule a slot between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Note: These meetings are not for projects already under review. For those, contact your assigned plan reviewer directly.