Does Maryland license on-farm processing of cheese, butter, and yogurt?
Yes, DMHM licenses value-added dairy products. Butter and yogurt require a Grade A Processor license, cheese requires a Manufacturer Grade Processor license, and ice cream requires a Frozen Dessert license. All dairy products must be produced from pasteurized milk. However, DHMH has launched a Farmstead Cheese Pilot Study Program for producers who make cheese from raw milk aged at least 60 days. There are 5 on-farm cheese processors in Maryland. 12 Maryland producers ship milk to Pennsylvania to have Farmstead Cheese produced. There are 2 on-farm ice cream processors. • Does Maryland license small scale food processing facilities? Yes, DHMH licenses food processors. The license is often restricted to processing only certain types of foods based on the facility capacity, equipment, and design. • Does Maryland license home kitchens for food processing? No, however, home kitchen operators may process non-potentially hazardous baked goods, jams, and jellies, which may be sold only at farme
