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Massachusetts Food Business Laws

northeast region · Pop. 7,001,399

Limited13 published categoriesLatest recorded review: June 19, 2026

Recorded review dates for 13 of 13 published categories. A review date is not a guarantee that requirements are current.

Published-category signalLimited
Informational Only: This information is compiled from public sources for educational purposes and may not reflect the most recent changes. Verify all requirements with your state's regulatory agency before starting or operating a food business. This is not legal advice.

Cottage Food

Workable

Massachusetts has no state-level revenue cap — unlimited sales. Must register through local board of health (not the state). Labels must be approved by local board before selling. The state's definition of direct-to-consumer sales includes sales by internet or mail (105 CMR 590), so in-state online sales are allowed; whether a given operator may ship vs. deliver in person can be conditioned by the local board of health. Requirements vary town to town due to delegation to local boards of health.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No state-level cap — unlimited sales

License
Required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

Canning & Preserves

Limited

Massachusetts allows only jams and jellies — the sole exception to the hermetic sealing prohibition. No state-level revenue cap. Local board of health registration required. Acidification, hot fill, vacuum packaging, pickling, and curing/smoking are all EXPLICITLY PROHIBITED processing operations.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No state-level cap

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Honey

Workable

Massachusetts does NOT include honey under cottage food. Local Boards of Health may exempt unprocessed honey as an agricultural product at farmers markets — this is a local-level decision, not statewide. Apiary registration is voluntary. Blended products with honey must list ingredients with 'honey' in same size type as other ingredients. Cannot label mixtures as 'honey.'

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No state-level cap

License
Required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumer

Specialty Foods

Limited

Massachusetts allows limited specialty dry goods under cottage food with no state-level revenue cap. Permit required. No online sales. Dried herbs and basic spice blends may be allowed. Very narrow list. Nut butters and infused oils prohibited.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No state-level cap

License
Required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Pet Treats

Limited

Massachusetts requires commercial feed registration through the Department of Agricultural Resources. Annual license $100 plus $50 per product. Facility inspection required. Massachusetts has stricter enforcement than many states and higher fees.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; facility inspection required

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Fermented Foods

Limited

Massachusetts does not permit fermented foods under its cottage food law. Very restrictive. All fermented products require commercial food processing license and facility inspection.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No state-level cap

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Label Requirements

  • N/A — fermented foods not permitted under cottage food

Food Freedom Laws

Limited

Massachusetts has no standalone Food Freedom Act. Homemade food sales are governed by Massachusetts's cottage food law, which is moderately permissive (no revenue cap, registration/permit required). See the Cottage Food vertical for the full roadmap.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No state-level cap — unlimited sales

License
Required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Domestic Kitchen

Limited

Massachusetts has no standalone domestic-kitchen / home-kitchen license tier. Home food production is governed by Massachusetts's cottage food law, which is moderately permissive (no revenue cap, registration/permit required). See the Cottage Food vertical for the full roadmap.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No state-level cap — unlimited sales

License
Required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Farm Direct

Limited

Massachusetts has no standalone farm-direct exemption. Farm value-added products are governed by Massachusetts's cottage food law, which is moderately permissive (no revenue cap, registration/permit required). See the Cottage Food vertical for the full roadmap.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No state-level cap — unlimited sales

License
Required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Complete Pet Food

Limited

Massachusetts requires commercial feed registration through the Department of Agricultural Resources. Annual license $100 plus $50 per product. Facility inspection required. Stricter enforcement than many states with higher fees. Complete & balanced products must meet AAFCO nutritional adequacy profiles.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; facility inspection required

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Raw Pet Food

Limited

Massachusetts requires commercial feed registration through the Department of Agricultural Resources. Raw pet food faces strict oversight. Annual license $100 plus $50 per product. Facility inspection required with emphasis on raw product controls. Pathogen testing mandatory.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; facility inspection and pathogen testing required

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Pet Supplements

Limited

Massachusetts requires commercial feed registration for pet supplements through the Department of Agricultural Resources. Annual license $100 plus $50 per product. Facility inspection required. Stricter enforcement than many states. CBD pet supplements prohibited.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; facility inspection required

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Pet Bakery

Limited

Massachusetts requires commercial feed registration for pet bakery products through the Department of Agricultural Resources. Annual license $100 plus $50 per product. Facility inspection required. No cottage exemption. Stricter enforcement than many states.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; facility inspection required

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Pet Food Regulations for Massachusetts

Commercial feed licensing, AAFCO compliance, fees, and feed control official contact

View Details

Business Formation in Massachusetts

Review business-formation options and the recorded fees for Massachusetts. Confirm current fees and obligations with the state filing office; forming an entity does not guarantee asset protection.

LLC Filing Fee

$500

Annual Fee

$500

Processing Estimate

~7 days

DBA Fee

$0

  • • Most expensive state for LLC formation AND annual reports ($500 each)
  • • First-year total: $1,000
Secretary of State Website →Start Formation Wizard
Limited

Massachusetts Public Signal

13 of 13 published categories assessed. An overall band requires every published category to be assessed.

Revenue-cap periods follow normalized display labels, not verified legal reset rules. Missing or unrecognized periods display as annual; confirm the applicable period with the regulator.

Cottage Food

Workable

Canning & Preserves

Limited

Honey

Workable

Specialty Foods

Limited

Pet Treats

Start Your Massachusetts Food Business

Get your personalized compliance roadmap, startup cost estimate, and step-by-step launch guide.

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This is informational guidance, not legal advice. Always verify requirements with your state regulatory agency before selling food products.

direct-to-consumerfarmers-marketonline-instate

Recorded Products

baked goods

jams

jellies

foods safely held at room temperature (non-TCS)

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name
  • ingredients in descending order (including sub-ingredients)
  • total net weight
  • dual declaration if one pound or more
  • storage conditions
  • open date
  • name/address of manufacturer/packer/distributor
  • allergen information (including sesame)
  • local board of health must approve labels before sales

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 94, § 328

Recorded review: June 19, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap

Recorded Products

jams

jellies

fruit butter

apple butter

fruit preserves

Recorded Label Requirements

  • producer name
  • address
  • ingredients
  • allergens
  • Made in a home kitchen disclaimer
  • pH testing required for acidified foods

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • net weight
  • nutrition facts

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 94, § 328

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
farmers-market

Recorded Products

raw honey

filtered honey

creamed honey

comb honey

infused honey

beeswax products

Recorded Label Requirements

  • producer name
  • address
  • product name (honey)
  • net weight

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • USDA grade
  • floral source
  • nutrition facts
  • allergens

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 94, § 328; Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 128, § 32A (Apiary)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap

Recorded Products

dried herbs

spice blends

tea blends

dry mixes

flavored salts

Recorded Label Requirements

  • producer name
  • address
  • ingredients
  • allergens
  • Made in a home kitchen disclaimer
  • net weight

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 94, § 328

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online

Recorded Products

dog treats

cat treats

pet food

pet snacks

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name
  • species designation
  • guaranteed analysis
  • ingredient list (AAFCO names)
  • net weight
  • manufacturer name and address
  • nutritional adequacy statement or treat designation

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • calorie content
  • feeding directions

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 128C, § 1 et seq. (Massachusetts Commercial Feed Law)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 94, § 328 (fermented foods not listed as permitted)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap

Recorded Products

baked goods

jams

jellies

foods safely held at room temperature (non-TCS)

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name
  • ingredients in descending order (including sub-ingredients)
  • total net weight
  • dual declaration if one pound or more
  • storage conditions
  • open date
  • name/address of manufacturer/packer/distributor
  • allergen information (including sesame)
  • local board of health must approve labels before sales

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts

No dedicated Food Freedom Act; governed by Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 94, § 328

Recorded review: June 18, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap

Recorded Products

baked goods

jams

jellies

foods safely held at room temperature (non-TCS)

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name
  • ingredients in descending order (including sub-ingredients)
  • total net weight
  • dual declaration if one pound or more
  • storage conditions
  • open date
  • name/address of manufacturer/packer/distributor
  • allergen information (including sesame)
  • local board of health must approve labels before sales

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts

No dedicated domestic-kitchen / home-kitchen license tier; governed by Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 94, § 328

Recorded review: June 18, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap

Recorded Products

baked goods

jams

jellies

foods safely held at room temperature (non-TCS)

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name
  • ingredients in descending order (including sub-ingredients)
  • total net weight
  • dual declaration if one pound or more
  • storage conditions
  • open date
  • name/address of manufacturer/packer/distributor
  • allergen information (including sesame)
  • local board of health must approve labels before sales

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts

No dedicated farm-direct exemption; governed by Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 94, § 328

Recorded review: June 18, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online

Recorded Products

dry kibble

wet/canned food

semi-moist food

fresh refrigerated food

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name with species designator
  • guaranteed analysis (crude protein min, crude fat min, crude fiber max, moisture max)
  • ingredient list using AAFCO-defined names in descending order by weight
  • nutritional adequacy statement (formulation or feeding trial method)
  • feeding directions
  • net weight
  • manufacturer name and address

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • calorie content
  • life stage designation

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 128C, § 1 et seq. (Massachusetts Commercial Feed Law)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online

Recorded Products

raw frozen pet food

freeze-dried raw

dehydrated raw

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name with species designator
  • guaranteed analysis (crude protein min, crude fat min, crude fiber max, moisture max)
  • ingredient list using AAFCO-defined names
  • nutritional adequacy statement or treat designation
  • safe handling instructions
  • storage and temperature requirements
  • net weight
  • manufacturer name and address

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • calorie content
  • feeding directions

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 128C, § 1 et seq. (Massachusetts Commercial Feed Law)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online

Recorded Products

joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin)

probiotics

omega fatty acids

vitamins

minerals

digestive enzymes

calming supplements (non-CBD)

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name with species designator
  • guaranteed analysis
  • ingredient list using AAFCO-defined names
  • directions for use/dosage
  • net weight
  • manufacturer name and address
  • intended use statement

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • NASC quality seal
  • calorie content
  • caution/warning statements

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 128C, § 1 et seq. (Massachusetts Commercial Feed Law)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online

Recorded Products

baked dog biscuits

pet birthday cakes

peanut butter cookies

pumpkin treats

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name
  • species designation
  • ingredient list using AAFCO-defined names
  • treat/snack designation
  • net weight
  • manufacturer name and address

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • guaranteed analysis
  • calorie content
  • feeding directions

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 128C, § 1 et seq. (Massachusetts Commercial Feed Law)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
Limited

Fermented Foods

Limited

Food Freedom Laws

Limited

Domestic Kitchen

Limited

Farm Direct

Limited

Complete Pet Food

Limited

Raw Pet Food

Limited

Pet Supplements

Limited

Pet Bakery

Limited

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