Massachusetts Cottage Food Law
A complete guide to cottage food regulations in Massachusetts (MA) — revenue limits, allowed products, labeling, and permitting requirements.
Requirements & Restrictions
Permitting & Registration
- Food Handler Certification
- Not required
- Business License
- Required
- State Registration
- Required — Local Board of Health (city or town where the residential kitchen is located)
Where You Can Sell
- farmers markets
- craft fairs
- internet / online sales
- mail order
- direct to consumer sales
Allowed Products
- baked goods (non-TCS)
- jams
- jellies
- other foods that can be safely held at room temperature
Prohibited Products
- foods that require hot or cold holding for safety (TCS finished products)
- meat products (requiring hot or cold holding)
- foods requiring refrigeration as a finished product
Labeling Requirements
The following information must appear on every cottage food product label sold in Massachusetts:
Additional Notes
Massachusetts does not use the term 'cottage food law' — operations are regulated under 105 CMR 590 (Retail Food Code) as 'Cottage Food Operations' within the Permitted Retail Residential Kitchen framework, administered by MA DPH in conjunction with Local Boards of Health (LBOH). Retail (direct-to-consumer) operations are permitted by the local board of health; wholesale operations (selling to supermarkets, restaurants, etc.) require a separate DPH license under 105 CMR 500 and are a distinct 'Wholesale Residential Kitchen' category. Only non-time/temperature control for safety (non-TCS) foods may be produced; TCS ingredients (e.g., milk, cream, eggs) may be used if the FINISHED product is non-TCS. Products must be prepackaged with an ingredient label listing all ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight; sub-ingredients of prepared items must also be listed. Full labeling requirements (including whether baker name/address/disclaimer are required) were not fully captured from official sources — the relevant section of the DPH guidance PDF (Retail Food Code Standards for Permitted Residential Kitchens, Updated April 2019) was cut off before completion; further review of 105 CMR 590.001(C) and the DPH labeling standards page is recommended. No annual revenue cap was found in any official source fetched. Bake sales for charitable purposes do NOT require a permit. Operations must also comply with all applicable municipal laws and zoning ordinances. Pending law change: MA Legislature Bill S.69 would codify cottage food definitions and labeling requirements — effective date not yet established as of research date.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the annual revenue limit for cottage food businesses in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts does not impose a stated annual revenue limit on cottage food producers.
- Do I need a food handler certification to sell cottage food in Massachusetts?
- No. Massachusetts does not require a food handler certification for cottage food producers.
- Is a business license required for cottage food sales in Massachusetts?
- Yes. Cottage food producers in Massachusetts are required to obtain a business license.
- Does Massachusetts require cottage food producers to register with the state?
- Yes. Massachusetts requires cottage food businesses to register with Local Board of Health (city or town where the residential kitchen is located).
- Where can I legally sell cottage food products in Massachusetts?
- In Massachusetts, cottage food products may be sold at: farmers markets, craft fairs, internet / online sales, mail order, direct to consumer sales.
- What allergen labeling standard applies to cottage food in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts follows the FDA Big Nine allergen standard for cottage food labeling.
- What products are allowed under Massachusetts cottage food law?
- The following product categories are permitted for cottage food production in Massachusetts: baked goods (non-TCS), jams, jellies, other foods that can be safely held at room temperature.
- What products are prohibited under Massachusetts cottage food law?
- The following products may not be sold under Massachusetts's cottage food exemption: foods that require hot or cold holding for safety (TCS finished products), meat products (requiring hot or cold holding), foods requiring refrigeration as a finished product.