The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension’s Food Safety Program helps farmers, small food processors and food service providers keep our local and national food supply safe.

Our experts offer assistance to farmers and processors toward expanding sales with value-added products while ensuring compliance with federal and state safety regulations.

Foodborne illness is a preventable public health challenge that causes an estimated 48 million illnesses and 3,000 deaths each year in the United States, according to USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. 

The Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act, signed into law in 2011, aims to shift the focus of the nation’s food safety system from responding to foodborne illnesses to prevention.

How UMES Can Help

UMES Extension can help you with processing, labeling and navigation of the regulatory requirements of food processing in Maryland. Lab resources are available to assist in formulation parameters, before you send samples out to certified labs.

Our experts offer assistance to producers and processors:

• Post-harvest
• Food safety technical support
• Value-added product development
• One-on-one support

Food Safety Specialist Andrea Gilbert-Eckman plans workshops and classes to assist farmers and providers navigate the regulatory requirements of food processing in Maryland.

Food Safety Training 

According to U.S. food safety regulations, businesses involved in food handling, processing, manufacturing or holding are obligated to instruct their personnel on food safety and food hygiene. 

The Food Safety Modernization Act Preventive Controls for Human Foods Rule (PCHF) requires that a food business work with a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) who has successfully completed training recognized by the FDA in the development and application of risk-based preventive controls or who is qualified through job experience to develop and apply a food safety system.

UMES Extension offers a four-day PCQI course. Please contact Gilbert-Eckman for details.

We can also connect growers and processors with resources for other training opportunities such as On Farm Readiness Review through the Maryland Department of Agriculture as well as allergen management and gluten-free certifications.

Contact Us

Andrea R. Gilbert-Eckman
Food Safety Specialist
UMES Extension
Phone: 410-651-6116
Email: ARGilberteckman@umes.edu