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.

Food Recalls Covered Dish Affairs

Opening a New Restaurant or Food Service Facility

Are you interested in opening a food service facility but your operation/plans don’t seem to fit the information outlined in the Plan Review Construction or Remodeling of Permanent Food Service Facilities FAQ? The Howard County Health Department is currently offering Wednesday morning time slots for restaurateurs/potential operators to discuss unique plans, operational procedures, or plan review process questions with a member of the plan review team. Please call the Food Protection Program at 410-313-1772 to sign up for a time slot from 8:30am -12pm. Note: these meeting slots are not intended for projects already under review by the plan review section. Contact the plan reviewer for questions regarding projects that are currently under review.

I want to report an issue at a restaurant

Foodborne Illness Complaint: Call us immediately at 410-313-1772. After business hours, leave a message with callback information.

Non-illness Complaint at a Restaurant/Food Facility: Fill out a Health Related Issues Complaint Form.

I want to operate a Restaurant/Food Service Facility

Construction or Remodeling of a Food Service Facility: Plan Review

Change of Ownership

Temporary Food Event

Food Trucks/Carts (mobile units)

Non-Profit Organizations

Other Facilities (Farmers Markets, Cottage Food)

Request a Food Facility Inspection Report

Public Information Act (PIA) Request Form