WESTOVER — The Maryland Department of Health is hosting a public meeting in Westover to gather input on House Bill (HB) 272, the On-Farm Food Service Facility regulation development.

The in-person, regional meeting for the Eastern Shore will be held Monday, July 20 from 1– 3 p.m. at the Somerset County Technical High School, 7994 Tawes Campus Drive. The meeting will serve as an information session where residents can share ideas, questions, and concerns.

Pre-registration is encouraged. To register for the meeting or more information visit https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/OEHFP/OFPCHS/Pages/On-Farm-Food-Service-Facility-License.aspx.  

The On-Farm Food Service Facility (FSF) license has been a temporary 30-day license issued by the local health departments (LHDs) for working farms offering food made on-site directly to customers visiting the farm. This 30-day license can be renewed up to two times in a 1-year period.

House Bill 272 (Food Establishments – Lavatory Requirement and On-Farm Food Service Facility License) changes the On-Farm FSF license from a limited, 30 to 90-day operating period to an annual license. This change will provide licensees greater flexibility, permitting them to prepare and serve food on their farm year-round instead of a one to three-month window. This will take effect in 2027.

Additionally, HB 272 removes “chemical” as a specific type of portable toilet allowing more options for certain food establishments to comply with the convenient lavatory requirement of FSF licensure.