Westford Board of Health denies bakery certification variance and church fee reduction in unanimous votes

WESTFORD — April 13, 2026 — Westford Board of Health unanimously denied two requests Monday — a food safety certification variance and a church fee reduction — while reporting a $9,000 federal grant award. The board voted 4-0 to deny a variance request from Pamela H. Sulka, proprietor of Muffins on Main, who sought to operate afternoon shifts without a Certified Food Protection Manager on-site, arguing that no baking occurs during those hours and that requiring certification of part-time high school employees is an undue burden. Member Joanne Belanger said the food code "is not just about production" and noted that the department has never granted such a variance in its 20-year history. The board also voted 4-0 to deny a 50 percent fee reduction requested by Orchard Church at 130 Littleton Road, which sought to cut its $395 food permit and plan review cost in half ahead of hosting the Taste of Westford event on May 21; members noted that no nonprofit has previously received a fee discount and that the church is collecting a rental fee from the Westford Business Association for the space. Health Director Rae Dick reported the department received a $9,000 FDA and National Environmental Health Association grant for food inspection standards and that the department's Public Health Accreditation Board application has been formally accepted, with nine months of work remaining.