Maryland Moving Toward the 2022 FDA Food Code: What Food Establishments Should Know
For years, when I teach food safety manager classes, I often point out the differences between Maryland regulations and the FDA Food Code. In many cases, the FDA recommendations were different than what was written into Maryland law. This often created challenges for students taking certification exams, since they were being tested on the FDA Model Food Code — not state law.
That gap is about to close.
In a notice issued in October 2025, the Maryland Public Health Services Administration announced that the state intends to adopt the 2022 version of the FDA Food Code.
At this time, there has not yet been an official announcement of the effective date, but the move signals that Maryland will soon bring its retail food regulations into closer alignment with the national standard used across the country.
For food businesses, this is a positive step toward consistency and updated science-based food safety practices.
One Major Change Retail Operators Should Prepare For
One of the most notable changes that many food establishments should start planning for now involves food safety manager certification.
Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Requirement
Under the 2022 Food Code, retail food establishments will be required to have:
- At least one Person in Charge (PIC) who is a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)
- The CFPM must be on-site during all hours of operation
A Certified Food Protection Manager is someone who has demonstrated food safety knowledge and management ability by completing an accredited food protection manager certification program and passing the exam.
This requirement formalizes food safety accountability at the management level and ensures that someone with advanced food safety training is present whenever the facility is operating.
Why This Matters in Maryland
Currently, only a few counties in Maryland require food safety manager certification. Many operators outside those counties have not needed a CFPM in the past.
When the 2022 Food Code is adopted statewide, this requirement will impact many retail food establishments that have never needed certification before.
For restaurants, caterers, markets, and other food service operations, now is a good time to begin preparing key staff members for certification.
Preparing Your Team
Food safety certification doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require proper preparation. The Person in Charge must understand topics such as:
- Foodborne illness prevention
- Time and temperature control
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Personal hygiene
- Food defense and contamination prevention
Completing a training program helps managers build the knowledge needed to pass the exam and effectively manage food safety in the workplace.
Training Options Available
At SMF Training & Consulting, we provide several options to help Maryland food establishments prepare for certification.
In-Person Certification Classes
Our classroom training prepares managers to take the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Exam, with instruction from a 30+ year industry veteran that focuses on real-world retail food safety practices.
Private On-Site Training
For restaurants, groups, or organizations that want to train multiple managers, we offer private training sessions at your facility.
This option allows your team to learn together while addressing the specific food safety challenges within your facility.
Learn more about upcoming classes and training options at:
👉 marylandfoodhandler.com
Final Thoughts
Maryland’s adoption of the 2022 FDA Food Code will bring the state closer in line with national food safety standards. While we are still waiting for the official implementation date, the upcoming Certified Food Protection Manager requirement is one change that retail food operators should begin preparing for now.
Getting managers certified ahead of the transition can help ensure your operation stays compliant and continues to serve safe food to your customers.
SMF Training and Consulting – Training Staff Since 2010