Packaging & Labeling Requirements FAQ
1. What can be weighed on a scale at checkout? If the customer is able to select the amount of product (Ex: loose produce, meat, & seafood in a cold case) then it can be weighed at purchase. If it is in a wrapper or container it cannot be weighed at time of purchase and must be labeled appropriately.
2.
What does a packaged product label look like? This label must include: location of packer, identity of commodity (Ex: Ground Beef), and net weight on the label.
3. What is net weight? The term used to describe the weight of the commodity excluding all packaging, materials and materials packed with it. "If you can't eat it then you can't charge".
4.
Random Weight vs. Standard Weight
5.
Random weight packages contain similar items but each individual package is a different weight while standard weight packages have identical net contents.
Why does this matter? Random weight packages are required to include unit price and total price of the commodity by MD law. Many packers do not include net weight on many random weight items. Tare your scale when calculating net weight.
How to Apply for the Maryland on Farm Processor License
1. What you need to apply for the on-farm meat storage license:
• A copy of your tax assessment -or- a letter from the county that verifies your property is zoned agricultural. • Verification from your local Zoning and Health departments that your proposed storage area is in compliance with county permitting. • A commercial grade freezer in good condition that is secure. • A thermometer or temperature recording device used to record temps of the freezer daily.
2.
Write a narrative plan This plan will describe how you intend to transport and store your meats. For a sample plan:
smadc.com/farmer-resources/tutorials/meat-processin g-license/
3. Facility & Process Review Complete the Facility and Process Review Plan Review Submission Form
health.maryland.gov/phpa/OEHFP/OFPCHS/Pages/plan-revi ew.aspx
Note: For project description section check On-Farm Meat Storage (this is described in your narrative plan). No Fee is required for plan review submissions.
4.
Submit Plan Mail the Plan Review Submission Form with your supporting documents (a) narrative plan (b) verification of agricultural zoning (c) verification of intended use to: Center for Facility and Process Reviews, MDH 6 St. Paul Street, Suite 1301 Baltimore, MD 21202
5.
Allow at least 2-3 weeks for your submission to be evaluated.
Schedule a Freezer Inspection Following the evaluation of your plan submission, you will be notified to contact the DHMH inspector in your area to schedule a freezer inspection. Please ensure your freezer is installed and fully operable before the inspection date. Pending a successful inspection, you will be issued a copy of the inspection report and a Food Processing Plant Application on site by the visiting MDH inspector. Complete this and submit with $30 to get your approval letter and license.