Westford Board of Health Denies Bakery Variance, Church Fee Cut Request

WESTFORD — April 14, 2026 — Westford Board of Health unanimously rejects a food safety variance and a church fee reduction in back-to-back votes. The board voted 4-0 to deny a request from Pam Salker, owner of Muffins on Main, who sought to waive the 2022 federal food code requirement that a certified food protection manager be present during all operating hours, citing the low afternoon traffic volume and the cost of certifying high school student workers. Health Director Ray noted the board has never approved such a variance in 20 years and that the town's food inspector can now offer the certification course for under $70. The board then voted 4-0 to deny a 50 percent fee reduction — on a combined $395 permit and plan review — requested by Orchard Church at 130 Littleton Road, which is hosting the inaugural Taste of Westford business event on May 21; board members argued the Westford Business Association, which is renting the space, should bear the cost rather than set a precedent of health-department discounts for nonprofits. The department also reported a $9,000 federal food safety grant award and acceptance into the public health accreditation application process, with the $5,500 application fee covered by existing grant funds.