Welcome to the Food Processing in Maryland Module!
Food processing is the treatment of a food substance to change its properties to preserve it, improving its quality, or making it functionally more useful. For example, cheese, ice cream, hamburger, spaghetti sauce, chicken wings, bread, pie, maple syrup, and jam are processed foods. Food processing represents a business opportunity for Maryland farmers and entrepreneurs as it builds the state's economy, creates jobs, and gives consumers access to healthy foods.
Government food safety regulations require all food processing operations and their products to meet specific standards. Often the facility and/or the operator must be licensed. Food safety standards are the basis for licensing a food business. To get a license, the applicant must show they meet all standards established in food safety regulations. Federal, state, and local food safety inspectors interpret and enforce the regulations, as they apply to actual circumstances. Therefore food processors must know the standards they must meet to maintain a license and the government agencies that have jurisdiction over their license, product, and processing operations.
Helpful Resources for Food Processing in Maryland
Standards and Licensing
Agencies and Jurisdictions
Rules for Specific Foods
Cottage Food Business Law
Maryland Department of Health Office of Food Protection