Each catering business must obtain a food service facility license. All food and beverages must be prepared at the licensed FSF where the catering business has been inspected and approved to operate. Caterers must operate and prepare all food and beverages from a licensed food service facility kitchen. A catering business may not operate from a private residence or unlicensed kitchen. The following requirements must be completed before a caterer begins operation:
- Submit Plans and Specifications. Unlicensed individuals or companies interested in providing catering services must submit plans and specifications to the Food Protection Services Program of the Anne Arundel County Department of Health before the food service facility is constructed, remodeled or materially altered. Refer to Structural Plan Review Requirements – Step by Step Instructions for Food Service Facilities New Construction, Remodeling or Alterations for submittal requirements.
- Submit Application. An application for a food service facility license must be completed and submitted with all required documentation and applicable fees. Refer to New Food Service Facilities for submittal requirements.
- Submit Food Service Proposal. The food service proposal must include the following:
- A menu or other written description of the foods to be prepared or served;
- General food handling information and procedures for receiving, storage, thawing, and preparation of food products;
- A list of foods that will be prepared in advance of service or distributed off premises; and
- A description of the food systems that will be used (i.e. Cook-Hot Hold-Serve, Cook-Cool-Reheat-Hot Hold-Serve, and Cook-Cool-Cold Hold-Serve).
Contact Information
If you are interested in operating a new catering business and need more details:
Food Protection Services Program
Bureau of Environmental Health
Anne Arundel County Department of Health
3 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
Office: 410-222-7192
Fax: 410-222-7479