Guide · License cost
Cottage food license cost in Massachusetts
Informational only, not legal advice.
Massachusetts sets cottage food fees at the local level, so they vary by jurisdiction.
Source: 105 CMR 590.000 (Massachusetts Retail Food Code), as published by MDPH, § 590.008 (FC 8-303.20(C)) · Verified Oct 21, 2026
The permit is issued by the local board of health once "the fees are paid"; 105 CMR 590 and MDPH's residential kitchen guidance set no fee amount. Example: Boston (where Inspectional Services issues the permit) charges $100 per year.
Source: 105 CMR 590.000 (Massachusetts Retail Food Code), as published by MDPH, § 590.008 (FC 8-303.20(C)) · Verified Oct 21, 2026
What else Massachusetts requires
Does Massachusetts require a cottage food permit?
Massachusetts requires a permit or registration to sell cottage food.
Source: 105 CMR 590.000 (Massachusetts Retail Food Code), as published by MDPH, § 590.010(F)(2)(a) · Verified Oct 21, 2026
A cottage food operation may not sell or serve food unless it has been approved and holds a valid permit from the board of health. No permit is needed if the operation sells only whole, uncut fresh fruits and vegetables, unprocessed honey, pure maple products, or farm fresh eggs kept at 45°F or less (§ 590.010(F)(1)). Bake sales for religious or charitable organizations and food made for distribution to a charitable facility also need no permit (MDPH Q&A).
Source: 105 CMR 590.000 (Massachusetts Retail Food Code), as published by MDPH, § 590.010(F)(2)(a) · Verified Oct 21, 2026
Apply to your local board of health. The board reviews the application under MDPH guidelines and the 2013 Food Code as adopted by 105 CMR 590. A permit lasts no more than one year; apply to renew at least 30 days before it expires. The board issues or renews a permit after the application is approved, the fees are paid, and an inspection shows the kitchen complies with 105 CMR 590. The kitchen must also comply with all applicable municipal laws and zoning ordinances. A private well must be tested before permitting and at least annually after. The board may require lab tests (such as pH or water activity) to show a product doesn't need temperature control.
Source: 105 CMR 590.000 (Massachusetts Retail Food Code), as published by MDPH, §§ 590.008 (FC 8-303.20), 590.010(F)(2) · Verified Oct 21, 2026
Municipal laws, zoning, and well testing: MDPH Retail Food Code Standards for Permitted Residential Kitchens. Lab testing: MDPH Residential Kitchen Q&A. MDPH's farm guidance says to contact your local board of health for a permit application. Local boards may adopt stricter rules (MDPH farm guidance, note 2).
Source: 105 CMR 590.000 (Massachusetts Retail Food Code), as published by MDPH, §§ 590.008 (FC 8-303.20), 590.010(F)(2) · Verified Oct 21, 2026
Do I need training or a home inspection in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts does not require food safety training.
Source: MDPH — Guidance for Farms and Agricultural Businesses on Cottage Food and Other Food Sales (March 8, 2022) · Verified Oct 21, 2026
MDPH: establishments that produce only cottage foods "do not need to have a Certified Food Protection Manager on staff." Local boards may set stricter rules; Boston requires an active Food Manager Certification and food allergen awareness training for its permit.
Source: MDPH — Guidance for Farms and Agricultural Businesses on Cottage Food and Other Food Sales (March 8, 2022) · Verified Oct 21, 2026
Massachusetts requires a home kitchen inspection.
Source: MDPH Food Protection Program — Residential Kitchen Questions and Answers · Verified Oct 21, 2026
"Retail Residential Kitchen operations are inspected and permitted by the local board of health." Permit issuance and renewal require an inspection showing compliance with 105 CMR 590 (FC 8-303.20(C)).
Source: MDPH Food Protection Program — Residential Kitchen Questions and Answers · Verified Oct 21, 2026
Is there a sales cap in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts sets no overall annual sales cap for cottage food.
Source: 105 CMR 590.000 (Massachusetts Retail Food Code), as published by MDPH · Verified Oct 21, 2026
No sales limit appears in 105 CMR 590, MDPH's Residential Kitchen Q&A, its Retail Food Code Standards for Permitted Residential Kitchens, or its farm guidance.
Source: 105 CMR 590.000 (Massachusetts Retail Food Code), as published by MDPH · Verified Oct 21, 2026
Cottage food fees in other states
Of the 20 states this site covers, including Massachusetts, 14 charge no state fee, 3 charge one, and 3 leave fees to local governments.