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.
*** RECALL ***
Consumer advisory issued for Clover Hill Dairy requesón/soft ricotta cheese products due to risk of foodborne illness - The Maryland Department of Health announced on June 3, 2026 that Clover Hill Dairy issued a voluntary recall of its requesón/soft ricotta products due to possible Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) contamination.
Clover Hill Dairy products are sold directly from their retail market, at farmers markets, and through third party distributors, including in New York and Virginia. Some varieties may have jalapeño or other flavors. Products may be relabeled under a different brand name when distributed, so consumers are urged to check the manufacturer information on packages, if available. The label should identify the Clover Hill Dairy manufacturer permit (or plant) number as “24-128”.
Consumers, retailers and restaurants should not eat, sell or serve products containing Clover Hill Dairy requesón/soft ricotta products, and should dispose of any product containing them. For details and photos of the recalled product CLICK HERE.
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.