Regulating Cottage Laws: What It Is and Why It Matters

What Are Cottage Laws?

Cottage laws are regulations that allow individuals to prepare and sell homemade food products to the public or other retailers with minimal government oversight. These laws support small-scale food entrepreneurs by permitting them to operate from their homes without the same stringent requirements as commercial food businesses. The specifics of cottage food laws vary by state or country but generally cover non perishable foods such as baked goods, jams, jellies, granola, honey, and dry snack mixes.

Why Do Cottage Laws Need Regulation?

Some municipal Departments of Health require permits, including a fee, and inspections of the kitchens, while others do not in Massachusetts. There is no consistency from town to town and, therefore, no equity in the current system. This bill would allow farmers and home cooks throughout the state to sell low-risk, non potentially hazardous or non temperature regulated foods with little or no permitting under certain conditions.

An “Act Regulating Cottage Laws” would be a legislative measure aimed at:

1. Clarifying Permitted Foods – Defining which homemade food items can be sold without requiring a permit from the local board of health.
2. Setting Safety Guidelines – Establishing basic food safety rules to protect public health.
3. Licensing & Labeling Requirements – Outlining how home-based food producers should label their products.
4. Expanding Economic Opportunities – Ensuring that individuals, particularly small entrepreneurs and home bakers, have the legal right to sell their goods with minimal barriers.

Why Is This Important?

1. Racial Equity – Allows aid immigrants, women, people of color, and others who have historically faced barriers to launching food businesses start their own home-based businesses.
2. Encourages Small Businesses & Local Economies – Cottage laws provide an accessible way for home bakers and small-scale food producers to earn income.
3. Promotes Food Accessibility – Consumers gain access to more local, homemade food options.
4. Reduces Regulatory Burdens – Helps small producers avoid costly commercial kitchen requirements.
5. Empowers Home-Based Entrepreneurs – Supports stay-at-home parents, retirees, and individuals with limited access to traditional employment.

How Can You Help?

• Contact Your Legislators – Reach out to your state representatives and express your support for fair and consistent cottage food laws.
• Spread Awareness – Share information about the importance of cottage laws with your community, friends, and social networks.
• Support Local Producers – Buy from home-based food entrepreneurs and advocate for fair regulations that allow them to thrive.
• Join Advocacy Groups – Get involved with organizations working to promote and reform cottage food laws in your state.
• Attend Public Hearings – Participate in legislative hearings or town meetings where cottage law regulations are being discussed.