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The Center for Food Emergency Response and Defense (CFERD) is responsible for overseeing the State’s foodborne outbreak planning and all-hazards food emergency response. CFERD coordinates with Local Health Departments, other State and Federal Agencies to conduct investigations, collect product samples, and report manufacturing recalls.
The State of Maryland Rapid Response Team (SMarRRT) is also located within the Center and works collaboratively with Office of Food Protection Centers, the MDH Infectious Disease Bureau, the MDH Laboratories Administration and the Maryland Department of Agriculture. SMarRRT serves as a liaison with FDA, CDC and USDA.
The food emergency response page provides guidance for the general public on food recalls and on preparing and responding to food related issues during natural disasters or other emergency situations.
The food emergency response page also provides food defense guidance for retail and food manufacturing firms on protecting the food supply against unintentional or intentional acts that may create food that is unsafe to eat.
Food Defense & Emergency Response for Retail Food Establishments
Q9 Quality Risk Management
Food Emergencies – What’s in the House
Food and Water Supplies in an Emergency - American Red Cross Guidance
Your Weekly Shopping List for a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit.
Special Considerations for Individual Emergencies.
Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness.
If you have a food-related complaint, please complete our Complaint Form.
For other food-related questions please email: mdh.envhealth@maryland.gov
FDA Defense, Initiatives & General Guidance
FDA Intentional Adulteration
USDA Publications, Initiatives & General Guidance
CDC General Food Protection Guidance