Massachusetts regulates home-based food production under 105 CMR 590.000 and MGL c.94 §305C, requiring residential kitchen permits issued by local boards of health following statewide minimum standards set by DPH.
Massachusetts does not have a broad cottage food exemption. Under 105 CMR 590.000 (the State Food Code) and MGL c.94 §305C, anyone preparing food for sale from a home kitchen must obtain a Residential Kitchen permit from the local board of health, which inspects under uniform state criteria. The state requires water testing for private wells, separation from household activity, and labeling. Local boards administer permits but must apply the statewide standards as a floor.
Operating without a residential kitchen permit can result in cease-and-desist orders, fines under MGL c.94 §305C, and embargo of food products.
See how North Plymouth's cottage food operations rules stack up against other locations.
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