The Food Protection Program is responsible for food facility inspections (i.e. restaurants, schools, etc.), temporary food event inspections, plan reviews, investigating food borne illness, and safe food handling classes.

Important Update:

New updates to the COMAR regulations for Food Service Facilities are available for review. View the new regulations here.

Some of the roles of the Food Protection Program include the following:

• Licensure of Restaurants, School Cafeterias, Nursing Home Kitchens, Markets, Convenience Stores, Taverns and Clubs
• Review and approve food handling procedures at each facility according to Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP) guidelines
• Plan reviews for construction and renovation of food service facilities, equipment, or change of ownership
• Inspection and licensing for all organizations serving food to the public occasionally ( 1 day - 2 week duration)
• Investigation, food sampling, and laboratory testing for food borne illness and food safety complaints
• Evaluation of worker health, preparation procedures, equipment adequacy, and safe holding temperatures
• Flood or fire damage product surveys; salvage guidelines after disasters or power outages
• Contamination source investigation