Updated for 2025

Massachusetts Cottage Food
Label Requirements

Scale your Massachusetts food business with no revenue cap.

Stop guessing. Generate FDA-compliant labels that automatically handle mandatory Massachusetts legal disclaimers, font sizes, and privacy rules.

Regulated by: Massachusetts Department of Public Health / Local Boards of Health

MA COMPLIANT

Artisan Sourdough

NET WT 16oz (454g)

INGREDIENTS: FLOUR (WHEAT), WATER, SALT, YEAST.

Contains: Wheat.

Required Massachusetts Disclaimer:

"Made in a Residential Kitchen"

My Bakery Name
1234 Main St, Massachusetts

At a Glance: Massachusetts Rules

The key constraints for your cottage food business.

Registration Cost

Varies by municipality.

Annual Sales Limit

Unlimited

Where can you sell?

Online: Yes (Shipping allowed)
Wholesale: No (Requires Wholesale License)

Typically Allowed

Breads cookies high-acid jams.
7.0 / 10

Regulatory Freedom Score

Moderate

Massachusetts has a Moderate Freedom Score (7.0/10). It strikes a balance with Unlimited, though some restrictions apply. However, it requires a physical home address on all public labels.

Address Privacy

Official Rule

Address and/or phone number of the residential kitchen

Your full physical home address must appear on every product label.

The "Verbatim" Trap

To sell legally in Massachusetts, your label must include specific phrasing exactly as written in the statute.

[Standard]

"Made in a Residential Kitchen"

*Peppery auto-inserts this text.

Legal Disclaimer & Scope
  • State vs. Local: This guide covers Massachusetts state-level regulations only. Your local county or municipality may have stricter zoning, business licensing, or health ordinances.
  • Tool Nature: Peppery is an automated compliance tool, not a law firm. This page provides information, not legal advice.
  • Verification: Regulations change. Always verify specific labeling requirements with your local health authority before printing or selling.

Technical Checklist

Every requirement for Massachusetts compliance.

Business Name Legal operator name required.
Product Name Common name required.
Ingredients Descending order by weight (including sub-ingredients)
Allergens FALCPA
Font Size 1/16 inch height minimum height.
Net Quantity Must be listed in both Imperial (oz) and Metric (g) units.
Contact Info Address and/or phone number.
Specifics Based on DPH guidance.
Traceability 'Sell-by' or 'Best-if-used-by' date required if the shelf life is < 90 days (unless package net weight is < 1.5 ounces).

Don't memorize this.

Our engine auto-formats your label to meet all Massachusetts requirements instantly.

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Why Makers Choose Us

"The Massachusetts labeling laws are incredibly confusing regarding font sizes. Peppery's auto-formatting saved me hours of reading statutes."

MA

Home Baker in Massachusetts

Verified User

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Massachusetts cottage food laws.

What foods can I sell from home in Massachusetts?

Yes, Massachusetts allows specific cottage foods, but only if they are non-TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) and meet strict labeling requirements. Common approvals include Breads, cookies, high-acid jams., but specific pH testing may be required for acidified foods. Use our free analysis tool to verify your recipe's compliance.

What is the sales limit for cottage food in Massachusetts?

The cap is Unlimited annually for direct sales. However, calculating this limit can vary based on gross vs. net sales revenue definitions in Massachusetts statutes. See our guide for tracking compliance.

Can I sell cottage food online in Massachusetts?

Online sales regulations in Massachusetts are complex. Online: Yes (Shipping allowed). Wholesale: No (Requires Wholesale License). However, shipping across state lines is generally prohibited. Check our guide for specific delivery zone restrictions.

What are the cottage food label requirements for Massachusetts?

Labels in Massachusetts generally require: 1) Name of the product, 2) Producer Name and Address, 3) Ingredients listed by weight, 4) Net Quantity (Dual Units), and 5) The mandatory disclaimer statement: 'Made in a Residential Kitchen'.

Can I hide my home address on labels in Massachusetts?

No. Currently, Massachusetts cottage food laws require the physical address of the kitchen to be listed on the label. P.O. Boxes are typically not accepted.