Farm Food Safety | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: October 3, 2025

Food Safety: Farm-to-Table Resources for Marylanders

The University works to help mitigate various food safety risks across the food supply chain. Click here for a directory of food safety resources for both commercial and home food production to improve Maryland's food supply and reduce foodborne illness, protecting all Marylanders.

Updated: July 14, 2025

Apply for PSR Qualified Exempt Status NOW!

Updated: May 7, 2025

Efficacy of sodium hypochlorite and peracetic acid in reducing cross-contamination during washing of baby spinach at different water quality levels

Research Summary: Efficacy of sodium hypochlorite and peracetic acid in reducing cross-contamination during washing of baby spinach at different water quality levels.

Updated: May 7, 2025

Water Quality for Spraying Counts!

The spraying season for fruit growers requires careful consideration of water sources, as both well water and pond water have specific factors that affect their use. This article will provide insights into these factors.

Updated: September 5, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions for Value-Added Producers (EBR-2022-0635)

Authors: Angela Ferelli - Neith Little - Shauna Henley

This publication summarizes frequently asked questions and answers for the cottage food producers and on-farm home processors. It includes definitions of common terms as well as guidance and recommendations surrounding manufacturing, processing, packaging, labeling, and selling of foods or food products produced by the Maryland cottage food businesses and on-farm food processors. Authors: Angela Ferelli-Gruber, Neith Little, and Shauna Henley; Title: Frequently Asked Questions for Value-Added Producers (EBR-2022-0635)

Updated: August 10, 2022

Water Quality and Food Safety: Understanding Factors Impacting Surface Water Quality

Authors: Mayhah Suri - Daphne Pee - Rachel Rosenberg Goldstein

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) requires farmers to test water used for agricultural production for generic E. coli. This document helps farmers understand how to interpret their water testing results, environmental factors that can impact those results, and solutions for high bacteria levels.

Updated: August 10, 2022

Turning Out Your Product: From Food Safety to Marketing, There's a Lot You'll Need to Know

Authors: Ginger S. Myers

This report breaks down the necessary steps to develop your product and bring it to market in accordance with Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's regulations and recommendations. The author discusses the legal aspects of operating a specialty food processing business in Maryland, including obtaining the necessary license and complying with regulations of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and Fair Packaging and Labeling Act. The 30-page report also provides detailed information on the many requirements for business operation, including proper labeling, obtaining UPC codes, working with a co-packer, and acquiring the correct equipment.

Updated: August 10, 2022

Food Safety Plans and Compliance for Beginning Farmers

Building a good food safety plan is a top priority for a new and beginning farm business. Food safe is incredibly important for every farm, regardless of size, methods of production, or marketing outlets. It is a common misconception that food safety and the need to implement the practices necessary to mitigate contamination of fresh produce are problems of scale, concerns only for larger farms.

Boxes lined up for a farmers market table of bright vegetables like zucchinis, and red peppers, and green peppers

Updated: August 10, 2022

Food Safety Resources for Beginning Farmers

Provides guiding principles for beginning farmers working with food safety regulations and important topics to explore in food safety.

Updated: November 2, 2021

ALEI Food Safety Program

Agriculture is the largest commercial industry in Maryland contributing over $8 billion dollars to the state’s economy. The Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI) began in 2013 in response to a realization that Maryland’s farm families need more information about the laws that impact their operations. ALEI is comprised of legal specialists and other extension specialists who help farmers understand and comply with state, federal, and local laws and regulations. ALEI legal specialists stay up-to-date on legal issues and educate growers and producers on relevant laws as well as available resources.