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Food Recalls and Advisories Retail Operators: Food Facility Basics Standard Operating Procedures HACCP Resources The Health Department has additional information available for staff training and development.  Food safety videos and literature are available upon request. Food Safety for Non-Profit Organization Cooking for Groups – A Volunteer Guide  Farmers’ Markets: http://www.cha.md.us.ofpchs/pdf/FoodSafetyforFarmersMarkets.pdf http://www.cha.state.md.us/ofpchs/pdf/Food_Information_Note_5.pdf Food Safety Education: Harford […]

What is foodborne illness? Foodborne illness results after consuming contaminated food or beverages. Symptoms are often flu-like in nature, and may include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramping. Fact Sheets During business hours (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), contact the Health Department at 410-877-2300 to report cases of foodborne illness associated with a food service […]

Complaints/Foodborne Illness The Health Department investigates complaints of improper food handling practices and suspected foodborne illness associated with a food service facility. Complaints may be emailed to hchd.inbox@maryland.gov or called in to our office at 410-877-2300 during normal hours of operation. The Health Department staff will record the information and forward the complaint onto an environmental […]

ORIGINS: West Nile Virus is a type of virus that has been commonly found in humans, birds, and other animals in Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Until 1999 it had not previously been detected in the United States. TRANSMISSION: West Nile Virus exists in nature through a transmission cycle involving mosquitoes and birds. […]

What is foodborne illness? Foodborne illness results after consuming contaminated food or beverages. Symptoms are often flu-like in nature, and may include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramping. Fact Sheets–Communicable Diseases Listeriosis Salmonellosis Shigellosis Vibrio vulnificus E.coli 0157H7 Viral Gastroenteritis During business hours (8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.), contact the Health Department at 443-643-0305 to report cases […]

Harford County Health Department may restrict percolation testing and soil analysis on a property.  A property containing “Wet Season” soils will need to be tested during the wet season (typically February 1 – April 30).  Percolation testing cannot be performed in soils with the classification “Do Not Test”.  See the map below to identify the […]

Public Swimming Pool/Spa Pre-Opening Checklist 1. ANSI Requirements (Depth Markers & Ladders/Steps) 2. Water Recreational Attractions (i.e., Water Slides and Splash Pads) 3. Barriers/Fencing (Height/Openings, Access Gate, Locks) 4. Decks (Width/Slope & Expansion Joints) 5. Equipment Rooms (Floor Drains, Lockable Door, Illumination/Ventilation, Hose Bib, Data Sheet) 6. Circulation System (Gauges, Thermometer, Turnover Rate) 7. Circulation […]

Procedure for Licensing a Public Swimming Pool New Pool: Obtain a construction permit from the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), Division of Community Services.  Click here for more information. Obtain necessary local zoning approval and building, electrical, plumbing and other applicable local permits. Once construction is complete, a joint inspection must […]

SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL PROGRAM 1. License all public swimming pools and spas. 2. Conduct routine inspections of public swimming pools and spas. 3. Issue pool operator certificates to all individuals who successfully complete an approved operator’s course. 4. Respond to citizen complaints pertaining to public swimming pools and spas. 5. Maintain […]