Bill > S2761

This bill seeks to promote economic opportunities for cottage food entrepreneurs in Massachusetts. It defines "cottage food operation" as the production of food by a person in their home kitchen for retail sale directly to consumers, including through farmers markets, events, and online sales. The bill establishes uniform standards and rules for cottage food operations across the state, allowing certain categories of cottage food products to be sold without a permit from a local health board. It also creates a voluntary cottage food operation registry where producers can obtain a personal identification number to use on product labels instead of their home address. The bill aims to reduce regulatory burdens on small-scale food producers while still allowing health departments to investigate any reported foodborne illnesses.