SMF Training & Consulting - Food Safety Consulting

12/02/2025

Since my post came out later than I thought I scheduled it for 🤦‍♀️ I extended the $95 special for the exam prep with in person proctoring one more day!

Get recertified quickly. https://www.marylandfoodhandler.com/online-exam-prep.php

12/01/2025

🎉 CYBER MONDAY SALE — TODAY ONLY! 🎉

Need your Food Safety Manager certification?
Today only — get my Online Prep Series + In-Person Proctoring (Dec 12 in Perry Hall) for just $95!

✔ 10 self-paced online modules
✔ Quizzes + study resources
✔ In-person exam proctoring in Perry Hall
✔ Perfect for NEW or RECERT students

Today Only $95
Don’t wait — sale ends at midnight!
https://www.marylandfoodhandler.com/online-exam-prep.php

11/29/2025

11/25/2025

Recert time coming up — but the idea of an in-person class does not fit your schedule. Check our our $35 exam prep series.

👉 10 online modules, completed in less than 3 hours
👉 Outline to follow along and make notes
👉 Quizzes + extra study resources
👉 Optional comprehensive study guide
👉 NEW: Add ServSafe exam proctoring — in‑person or online
👉 Receive your certificate the same day as passing the exam

💵 Prep Series just $35

✅ Perfect for busy pros who want to recertify fast and feel confident on exam day.

🔗 Register now and choose your exam option when you sign up!
https://www.marylandfoodhandler.com/online-exam-prep.php

11/19/2025

There is a fine line between "helping a friend" and Intellectual Property theft. 🛑

I’ve spent 15 years acting as a consultant for Maryland restaurants. In that time, I developed a proprietary DHMH HACCP plan format that contains specific SOP language and an easy-to-follow layout. My plans get approved quickly because of my expertise.

Recently, I’ve seen plans circulating that use my exact proprietary format—down to the same colors and fonts—but were not purchased from me.

One even still had my contact information at the bottom. 🤯

Let’s be clear: This is theft of intellectual property.

I understand that opening a restaurant is incredibly expensive. Owners are looking to save money wherever they can. But utilizing a stolen format to get your permits is not a "hack"—it’s illegal. Building your business foundation on stolen work is the wrong way to start.

A note on professional ethics: There is a misconception that taking a plan created for one restaurant and sharing it with another to be "cloned" is just helping out a peer.

It is not. 🚫

Business is hard enough, but stealing intellectual property is still stealing.

If a customer did a "dine and dash" at your restaurant—would you be okay with that?

TheWork

11/18/2025

During my training classes I talk about how a manufacturing company can receive multiple warnings and still be open for business...this current case is a sad reminder that you need to check all your suppliers. This is the last paragraph from the full article in food safety magazine. full article can be read here: https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10875-byheart-formula-now-linked-to-23-infant-botulism-cases-in-13-states?

"ByHeart Food Safety and Hygiene Failures Predating the Botulism Outbreak
According to FDA inspection reports and warning letters, ByHeart Inc. has a history of food safety and hygiene violations at its production facilities, including issues like mold, dead insects, and reoccurring roof leaks at its Reading, Pennsylvania facility, causing the plant to be shut down earlier in 2025.

Additionally, the firm received a warning letter from FDA in 2023 after a batch of finished product tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii, prompting an investigation of the production facility. Not only did FDA find a roof leak in a production area, and lapses in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and cleaning and sanitation verification activities that could allow microbiological contamination to occur, but the agency also reprimanded ByHeart for failing to conduct a comprehensive root cause analysis of the C. sakazakii contamination. In fact, ByHeart concluded from its root cause analysis that the C. sakazakii positive test result was a laboratory error—which FDA said was contrary to the evidence."

The outbreak of infant botulism linked to ByHeart infant formula has grown to 23 confirmed cases in 13 states. All infants have been hospitalized, with no deaths reported. The company has issued a recall of all formula products sold nationwide.

11/11/2025

Well well, what did I do now! It's been 15 years since I sold my last facility (Crafter's Cafe) and I just need to dip my toe back in the water a little bit.

I have created a small - but oh so fun - cottage business. Go check it out. https://sassoryco.com

Don't worry, I am still out here training, creating HACCP plans and navigating the permit system.
Sue

Discover Your Favorite Indulgence From cozy and classic to bold and spicy, every Sassory flavor starts with our signature handcrafted cocoa blend made with premium 20-22% butterfat cocoa powder and locally sourced dry milk. Each flavor has its own personality—just like the people you’ll share it...

11/05/2025

Ready to grow beyond your cottage food kitchen?
If your cottage business is thriving — maybe even earning close to the state max of $50,000 a year — it might be time to explore your next step.
Whether that’s a food truck, brick-and-mortar location, or small manufacturing setup, I can help you understand the requirements and help you plan your path forward.

📞 Call me today to discuss your options! 410-687-1015

11/03/2025

It’s that time of year again! 🎃🍪

Cottage food businesses are popping up everywhere — from home bakers to holiday treat makers. And hey, I love seeing that entrepreneurial spirit (I just started my own cottage food business, Sassory & Co)! 💛

But… not everyone is following the rules — and that’s more important than it might seem.
Here’s why ⬇️

✅ Public Health: Some foods (like pumpkin rolls, cheesecakes, cream cheese icing, or chocolate-covered fruit) can make people sick if they’re not kept cold. If a food needs refrigeration, it’s not allowed under Maryland’s cottage food law.

🏪 Fairness to Licensed Businesses: Food businesses have to follow strict health rules, inspections, pay for insurance and permits. When unapproved cottage operations sell similar foods, it puts them at an unfair disadvantage.

🏷️ Proper Labeling: Cottage foods must include required labels — things like your name, address, and a statement that your product was made in a home kitchen not inspected by the health department. Labels help customers make safe, informed choices. There is an alternative to putting your address on the packaging.

If you’re thinking about starting a cottage food business or buying from one, check what’s allowed in Maryland 👇
👉https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/OEHFP/OFPCHS/Documents/MDH%20Cottage%20Food%20Businesses_March_2025_FINAL%20(1).pdf

Let’s support all small business — but lets do it safely, legally, and deliciously! 💪

10/30/2025

Congratulations to Frank's Pizza and Pasta ! Awesome job!