SMF Training & Consulting - Food Safety Consulting

07/28/2026

Cottage food makers are approaching Maryland retailers more than ever — but accepting those products without the right checks can put your food establishment at risk.

Our newest post explains what retailers must verify before selling cottage food, what products are prohibited, and why QR‑code “direct sales” still leave the retailer liable.

Support local entrepreneurs safely — know the rules before you stock the shelf.
🔗 Read the full post at

Maryland’s cottage food industry continues to grow, and many retailers are excited to support local makers by offering their products on store shelves. It’s a

07/10/2026

Seriously, wash your produce! Not only for parasites but for potentially life altering Listeria monocytogenes!

The gut-churning parasite is found in food items that all have something in common: rough, irregular surfaces, which makes it easier for the parasite to hide and difficult to fully clean. Learn more at the link in our comments ⬇️

07/08/2026

Power loss, sewage backup, no water. Are you prepared for when a crisis happens

07/06/2026

Are you preparing to take the Food Protection Manager exam. Exams like the ServSafe exam can be challenging without proper preparation. I feel that an in-person class is the best, however, I get it. Sometimes you just want that shortcut. That is why I created the online 10 module video series. It is 3 hours, briefly covers all topics and offers options to learn more. AND NOW it is only $19.99.

06/15/2026

Recall noticed - "The Maryland Department of Health announced today an expanded consumer advisory for all cheese products made by Clover Hill Dairy, located in Mechanicsville, Md., due to possible Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) contamination. The facility has agreed to initiate a voluntary recall for all of its cheese products. "

Read full notice for all items that could be affected. https://health.maryland.gov/newsroom/Pages/Consumer advisory expanded for all Clover Hill Dairy cheese products due to continued risk of foodborne illness.aspx

04/22/2026

🏪✨ PSA for Essex Business Owners: Is Your Signage Up to Code?

Proper signage does more than promote your business - it helps keep our community safe, organized, and visually welcoming!

In Baltimore County, business signage must follow specific guidelines, including:
✔️ Proper permits before installation
✔️ Size, height, and placement regulations
✔️ Restrictions on temporary and oversized signs
✔️ Safety standards to avoid hazards or obstructions

🚫 Signs that are too large, improperly placed, or installed without approval may result in warnings, fines, or removal.

💡 Staying compliant not only protects your business, it helps maintain a professional and vibrant look throughout our commercial areas.

🔍 Learn more about signage rules and Baltimore County Code:
https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/law/county-code

Let’s work together to keep our business community looking its best! 💼

04/22/2026

Have you heard about House will 1048? It proposes new menu labeling disclosing high levels of added sugar and salt for certain MD restaurants. read more here

Maryland is taking another step toward increased menu transparency—and while it may not impact every operator yet, it’s worth paying attention now.

04/08/2026

OOOPS this was to be posted on my Sassory Page...But here you go anyway... Every Sunday at Eastpoint Mall in Dundalk.

This Sunday is the first Farmers Market for Sassory - And I am so excited to bring everything Sassory.

If you’re new here—Sassory is simple:

I make food the way I think it should be made.
Quality Ingredients - Intentionally Made - No shortcuts.

No bleached or bromated flour.
No food dyes.
Sweetened with things you recognize—cane sugar, honey, maple, molasses.

Even the things you wouldn’t expect? I make those too.
(Graham crackers for the s’mores… yeah.)

And every product on my website tells you the ingredients, all of it.

Because you should know what you’re eating.

If you’ve been following along - thank you!
If you haven’t, this is the place to start. Hit the follow and stop at the market to say hello!

04/07/2026

You love Taco Love, Birra by Taco Love is awesome...but have you heard of Tito's fried chicken by Taco Love? Tucked in the strip across from Bowleys Quarters Walmart, it is easy to drive by. BUT DO NOT miss this gem.

I love fried chicken. And this meal did not disappoint. Lots of sides to choose from but I selected the Pinto Beans and Latin rice. The young lady at the counter suggested to Tito sauce. The only complaint I have is the sauce container is not big enough for me to bathe in. Seriously this was really good stuff.

This is not the same Ole fried chicken place. The flavors are spot on. The cook was perfect. The biscuit had a crunch on the outside but was tender on the inside just how I like it.

No wonder they won Best Comfort Food of 2026! Next I need to try the burrito or the tacos or the....

03/22/2026

Cocktails to go works. It provides an additional revenue stream to restaurants already working on tight margins.
How do you feel about this bill?

Cocktails To-Go” is moving through the legislature.

A common-sense bill to let you pick up a fresh crush, margarita, or sangria from your favorite local restaurant on a Friday night—along with your takeout.

Sounds simple, right? It is.

We already proved it worked during COVID. Restaurants benefited. Customers loved it.