What is the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 590.000?

105 CMR 590.000 establishes the sanitary standards for retail food operations in Massachusetts. It incorporates the federal FDA Model Food Code by reference with Massachusetts-specific amendments.

What is required under the Massachusetts Food Allergen Awareness Act?

Under M.G.L. c. 140, § 6B, establishments serving food for immediate consumption must display an approved allergen poster in employee areas, print a specific allergy warning on all menus, and have a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) with specialized allergen awareness training.

Does Massachusetts limit cottage food / residential kitchen sales?

No, Massachusetts does not impose a statewide gross sales cap on permitted Residential Kitchen (cottage food) operations. However, operators must obtain a permit from their local Board of Health and prepare only non-hazardous (non-TCS) shelf-stable foods.

US States: Massachusetts

Massachusetts State Food Regulations

Your centralized portal for state and municipal compliance directories in Massachusetts. Confirm Sanitary Code 105 CMR 590.000 rules, the pioneering Massachusetts Food Allergen Awareness Act, and local Board of Health Residential Kitchen codes.

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Bay State Regulatory Base

Massachusetts enforces strict food safety, menu allergy notifications, and home-based culinary operation codes across state public health divisions and local health districts.

No Cap Cottage Food Limit

105 CMR 590 Sanitary Food Code

Active Directories

Active Massachusetts Statutes

State Code

State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 590)

Minimum Sanitation Standards

Adopts and incorporates by reference the federal FDA Model Food Code. Sets absolute criteria for sanitation permits, holding temperatures, equipment installations, and local board of health physical inspections.

See Official 105 CMR 590 Code

Allergen Mandate

MA Allergen Awareness Act

M.G.L. c. 140, § 6B

Requires all retail food establishments serving food for immediate consumption to feature an approved allergen awareness poster in employee prep areas, post specific menu notices for diners, and employ certified allergen-trained managers.

View State Allergen Guide

Domestic Operations

Retail Residential Kitchens

Local Board of Health Permits

Allows Massachusetts residents to manufacture non-TCS, shelf-stable foods in a residential home kitchen for direct-to-consumer sales. Significantly, Massachusetts imposes no statewide annual gross sales cap.

MDPH Residential Guide

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We prepare and package grab-and-go foods on-site We cook, prepare, or serve food intended for immediate consumption We operate a home kitchen (Retail Residential Cottage Operation) We operate food programs in public or private K-12 schools

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Food Regulations

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