Massachusetts has a limited residential kitchen (cottage food) framework under 105 CMR 590. Waltham residents can produce certain low-risk foods from home with a Residential Kitchen permit from the Board of Health.
Massachusetts regulates home-based food production under 105 CMR 590 (State Sanitary Code Chapter X). Waltham residents who want to produce food for sale from their home kitchen must obtain a Residential Kitchen permit from the Waltham Health Department, which requires a kitchen inspection, ServSafe or equivalent food safety certification, and annual renewal (typically 100-200 dollars). Permitted foods are limited to low-risk items: baked goods (non-cream-filled), jams and jellies, candy, dry mixes, granola, and similar shelf-stable products. Meat, fish, dairy products, cream-filled baked goods, and other potentially hazardous foods require a commercial kitchen and are NOT permitted under residential kitchen rules. Labels must include the producer's name, address, product name, ingredients, and a statement that the food was made in a home kitchen not inspected by MDPH. Sales at farmers markets, online, and direct-to-consumer are generally permitted; wholesale to retailers is restricted.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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