Massachusetts Cottage Food Label Requirements

The required label statement

Good news — Massachusetts does not require a home-kitchen disclaimer sentence on the label. Massachusetts mandates NO home-kitchen disclaimer sentence — do not print one. The MDPH residential-kitchen standards list identity, ingredient, quantity, allergen and producer items only (105 CMR 590.003 / FC 3-602).

What must be on your label

• Name and address of the Cottage Food Operation (MDPH Residential Kitchen Standards, 'Labeling'; 105 CMR 590.003 / FC 3-602)
• Name of the Cottage Food Product
• Ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight, with sub-ingredients listed for any prepared item used
• Net weight or net volume
• Allergen information per federal labeling requirements — the 2019 standards name milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, soybeans, fish (including shellfish) and tree nuts; federal law now also requires sesame
• Nutrition labeling per federal rules only if a nutrient-content claim, health claim or other nutritional information is provided
• Labels must be printed in English; a cottage food operation may only sell products that are prepackaged with an ingredient label (MDPH standards)
• Local boards of health may attach conditions to the permit (some towns ask for a phone number or a sell-by date on the label) — check the town's application (105 CMR 590.010(F)(2))

Example: a Massachusetts label for a bag of butter cookies

An illustrative worksheet with the lines Massachusetts requires, and placeholders for your own details. It is not an approved product label or a tested recipe. Replace the ingredients and the measured package quantity with your actual product information.

The example ingredient order follows the input weights in our butter-cookie recipe. It does not establish the weight of a finished bag. Any additions or supplier sub-ingredients must be reflected in your own label.

Before you print

1. Match every ingredient and sub-ingredient to your actual recipe and supplier labels.
2. Check the allergen declaration, the filled package's net quantity, and producer details.
3. Confirm the product and sales setup with the Massachusetts program; do not infer registration or an exemption from this example.
4. Review the whole package, including any required information placed outside the Nutrition Facts panel.

Massachusetts cottage food label questions

Does a Massachusetts cottage food label need a home-kitchen statement?

No. Massachusetts mandates NO home-kitchen disclaimer sentence — do not print one. The MDPH residential-kitchen standards list identity, ingredient, quantity, allergen and producer items only (105 CMR 590.003 / FC 3-602).

Do I need a license or registration to sell cottage food in Massachusetts?

Yes. A permit from the local board of health (LBOH) is required before selling (105 CMR 590.010(F)(2)); the LBOH reviews the application against MDPH's administrative guidelines and inspects the home kitchen. Fees, forms and extra conditions (ServSafe/allergen training in some towns) vary by municipality. Private wells must be tested before permitting and at least annually; no pets, infants or domestic activity in the kitchen during production. Permit-exempt only if selling solely whole uncut produce, unprocessed honey, pure maple products or farm-fresh eggs held at 45°F or below (590.010(F)(1)). Wholesale to stores or restaurants needs a state Wholesale Food Processor licence from the MDPH Food Protection Program.

Is there a sales limit for Massachusetts cottage food?

No annual cap is set: none — no annual sales cap appears in 105 CMR 590 or the MDPH residential-kitchen standards (argument from silence).

Where can I sell cottage food in Massachusetts?

Direct to the consumer only — a cottage food operation produces cottage food products "only for sale directly to the consumer" (105 CMR 590.001(C)); farmers' markets and online orders delivered within Massachusetts are direct sales. No wholesale or retail-store sales without a state processor licence.

Does a Massachusetts cottage food label need a Nutrition Facts panel?

Not by state cottage-food law unless a nutrient content or health claim is made; the federal small-business exemption usually applies. If you choose to print a panel, it has to be complete and correctly formatted.