Baltimore Daycare Food Safety Compliance Guide

Baltimore Licensing & Health Department Requirements

All child care facilities in Baltimore must obtain a license from the Maryland Office of Child Care (OCC) and pass inspections by the Baltimore City Health Department. Licensed facilities must maintain a clean food service area, properly store foods at correct temperatures (below 41°F for cold foods, above 135°F for hot foods), and document food source origins. The Baltimore City Health Department enforces regulations based on the FDA Food Code and conducts unannounced inspections at least annually. Facilities serving food must also complete food handler certification and maintain current Hepatitis A vaccination records for all staff handling food.

Inspection Process & Common Citations

Baltimore health inspectors evaluate temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, employee hygiene, pest control, and allergen management during facility inspections. Common violations include improper refrigeration temperatures, lack of handwashing documentation, expired foods, and inadequate cleaning logs. The Baltimore City Health Department issues citations for violations and may require corrective action plans with follow-up inspections. Serious violations can result in reduced licensing capacity or facility closure. Facilities receive a written report detailing findings and required remediation timelines, typically 5-30 days depending on violation severity.

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