Cottage Food Operations: Cambridge vs Wakefield
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Wakefield, MA?
Cambridge and Wakefield 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 →Wakefield, MA
Middlesex County
Massachusetts allows residential kitchen food production under MGL c.94 s.305B with local Board of Health approval, and each Middlesex County town enforces 105 CMR 500 food code for residential kitchens.
View full Wakefield rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Wakefield |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Non-TCS (baked goods, jams) |
| Prohibited foods | Dairy meat refrigerated items | - |
| State regulation | - | MGL c.94 s.305B / 105 CMR 500 |
| Permitting | - | Local Board of Health |
| Required training | - | ServSafe or equivalent |
| Kitchen inspection | - | Required by BOH |
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.
Wakefield FAQ
Does Massachusetts have a cottage food law?
Not a true exemption law. MGL c.94 s.305B allows residential kitchen food production but requires Board of Health registration, inspection, and a permit in each Middlesex town.
What foods can I make at home to sell?
Generally non-potentially hazardous foods such as baked goods, jams, jellies, and dry mixes. Meats, dairy products, and cream-filled items are not allowed from residential kitchens.
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