The Maryland Sanitation of Public Eating and Drinking Places Code or Ordinance is a set of regulations and requirements designed to ensure food safety and cleanliness in public establishments where food and beverages are prepared and served. These regulations aim to protect public health and prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses. The main purpose of the Maryland Sanitation Code is to establish standards for personal hygiene, food handling and storage, facility maintenance, and overall cleanliness in restaurants, cafés, food stands, bars, and similar establishments. This code outlines the responsibilities of both the establishment owners and the employees to maintain safe and sanitary conditions. Here are some relevant keywords associated with the Maryland Sanitation of Public Eating and Drinking Places Code or Ordinance: 1. Food safety: The code focuses on preventing contamination, ensuring proper storage temperatures, labeling guidelines, and safe handling practices keeping the food safe for consumption. 2. Personal hygiene: This aspect highlights the importance of regular handwashing, wearing clean attire and aprons, and maintaining overall cleanliness by employees and staff members. 3. Facility maintenance: The code addresses the need for regular inspections, pest control measures, waste disposal procedures, proper plumbing, and ventilation systems to maintain a clean and healthy environment. 4. Food handling and preparation: It includes guidelines for proper food thawing, cooking temperatures, prevention of cross-contamination, storage duration, and handling practices ensuring the safety of food before serving. 5. Employee training: The code emphasizes the significance of staff members receiving appropriate training on food safety, proper handling, and sanitation practices minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses. 6. Inspections and permits: It highlights the requirement for regular inspections by health department officials to maintain compliance with the code. Establishments must obtain and display permits showing they meet the necessary sanitation standards. Different types of Maryland Sanitation Codes or Ordinances may exist based on the specific region or locality within Maryland. These could include: 1. Baltimore City Sanitation Code: Governing the sanitation standards for public eating and drinking places within the Baltimore City region. 2. Montgomery County Sanitation Code: Establishing specific sanitation regulations and requirements for the food service establishments operating in Montgomery County. 3. Anne Arundel County Sanitation Code: Enforcing sanitation standards and guidelines for public eating and drinking places located in Anne Arundel County. Overall, the Maryland Sanitation of Public Eating and Drinking Places Code or Ordinance plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and safety of consumers by setting forth comprehensive guidelines and regulations to be followed by food establishments throughout the state.