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Massachusetts

UPDATE Since this page was last updated, Boston created an ordinance to allow residential kitchens, so now Boston residents can use the cottage food law. Massachusetts developed its law for “residential kitchens” in 2000, well before cottage food laws became common. Residential kitchens are considered “food establishments” (like their commercial counterparts), so it is harder… [read more]

Massachusetts H 758

Similar to H 915. Would allow producers to sell nonperishable products directly to consumers within the state, without needing a license or permit from the health department.

Episode 100: Where Are They Now?

In this very special 100th episode, previous guests come back on to share an update of what’s changed since they were last on the show, what’s surprised them, and what they’ve learned along the way

Massachusetts H 915

Similar to H 758. Would have allowed producers to sell nonperishable products directly to consumers within the state, without needing a license or permit from the health department.

Massachusetts H 2153

Would have created a new law to allow “home kitchen operations” (AKA micro-restaurants) to sell ready-to-eat meals and food.

2021 Cottage Food Bills

2021 is a fresh start in so many ways, but as always, a new year means a new round of cottage food bills!

And what a big round it is! At least one-third of states are actively working on improving their cottage food law this year.

I actually can’t remember a year when there were this many cottage food amendments on the table. It reminds me of nearly a decade ago, when states were busy creating their initial cottage food laws.

In all likelihood, the pandemic, and the resulting surge of interest in cottage foods, is part of the push to improve the laws in many states.

Massachusetts H 862

Similar to H 465. Would allow producers to sell nonperishable products directly to consumers within the state, without needing a license or permit from the health department.

Massachusetts H 465

Similar to H 862. Would allow producers to sell nonperishable products directly to consumers within the state, without needing a license or permit from the health department.

2021 Recap: A Record Year for the Cottage Food Industry

WOW… what a year it has been for our growing cottage food industry!

As I wrote about last year, the pandemic really highlighted the need for people to be able to sell their homemade food.

And in 2021, states responded in a BIG way! This year, more states improved their laws for selling homemade food than in any other year in history.