The following resources provide best practices for preparing for COVID-19 and managing risk for individuals at home and for food environments such as restaurants, grocery stores, food banks, gardens and farms. These resources are based on guidance and best practices as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), World Health Organization (WHO) and the best available science. All items are peer reviewed by an expert panel, and many are translated into Spanish. Check back frequently for updates to the guidance.
As the State of Maryland continues its unprecedented response to COVID-19, the Maryland Department of Agriculture is emphasizing the need for businesses involved in the state’s food supply chain to continue production. For more information visit: Maryland Dept. of Agriculture
2020 GAP
EMAIL Shauna Henley & Angela Ferelli for more information regarding the workshop. shenley@umd.edu & angfer@umd.edu
You are thinking about pursuing GAP certification for some or all parts of your operation
You are interested in developing a good safety plan to increase operational efficiency and build a food safety culture
You are looking to learn more about how microbes live and interact with farm environments, or
You have a potential buyer that requires GAP certification
Tips on how to implement practices to minimize your food safety risk during growing, harvesting, holding, and packing your product
Practice conducting risk assessments
Practice writing Standard Operating Procedures
Assistance on writing your food safety plan
A Maryland Department of Agriculture GAP training certificate
USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 1-888-MPHotline
The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline can personally answer your food safety questions on weekdays year-round.
The Hotline receives more than 80,000 calls yearly. This toll-free telephone service, which began July 1, 1985, helps prevent foodborne illness by answering questions about the safe storage, handling, and preparation of meat, poultry, and egg products.
Food Safety Questions? Call the USDA Meat and Poultry HotlineIf you have a question about meat, poultry, or egg products, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline toll free at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854). The Hotline is open year-round Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET (English or Spanish). Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. Check out the FSIS Web site at www.fsis.usda.gov. Send email questions to MPHotline.fsis@usda.gov. Ask Karen! (AskKaren.gov | PregunteleaKaren.gov ) |
**Our website is currently being updated. As we slowly build our website, we will have trusted (peer reviewed) fact sheets and advice to reduce your family’s chances of experiencing a foodborne illness. Thank you for your patience.**