Cottage Food Operations: Cambridge vs Somerville
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Somerville, MA?
Cambridge and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
MA has no broad cottage food exemption. Under MGL c.94 s.305B and 105 CMR 500, Cambridge home food producers must get a Residential Kitchen license from the ISD Health Division.
View full Cambridge rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Massachusetts allows limited home kitchen food production under residential kitchen rules. Somerville requires state and local permits plus Board of Health approval for residential kitchens.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| State framework | MGL c.94 s.305B and 105 CMR 500 | - |
| License needed | Residential Kitchen permit | - |
| Inspecting agency | Cambridge ISD Health Division | - |
| Allowed foods | Non-hazardous baked and shelf-stable | - |
| Prohibited foods | Dairy meat refrigerated items | - |
| State rule | - | 105 CMR 590 residential kitchen |
| Local permit | - | Somerville Health Dept |
| Allowed products | - | Shelf-stable only |
| Not allowed | - | Dairy, meat, cream fillings |
| Labeling | - | Residential kitchen disclosure |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cambridge FAQ
Can I sell cookies from my Cambridge home kitchen without a permit?
No. Massachusetts requires a Residential Kitchen license from Cambridge Inspectional Services before any sales.
Can I sell homemade yogurt or cheese?
No. Dairy products are not allowed under the residential kitchen framework and require a commercial facility.
Somerville FAQ
Can I sell homemade cookies in Somerville?
Yes, with state residential kitchen registration and a Somerville Health Department permit.
Can I sell cheesecake?
No. Dairy-based and other potentially hazardous foods cannot be made in a residential kitchen.
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