An Act to promote economic opportunities for cottage food entrepreneurs

This bill promotes economic opportunities for cottage food entrepreneurs in Massachusetts by amending state laws to exempt home-based food producers from most permitting, licensing, and inspection requirements. It specifically allows individuals to sell non-perishable items like baked goods and jams directly to consumers at farmers markets, roadside stands, or online without needing a commercial kitchen license. While the bill removes local health board rules for these operations, it maintains the right of health officials to investigate foodborne illnesses and requires sellers to provide clear labels or disclosures about the product's origin and potential allergens. Additionally, the legislation establishes a voluntary registry where operators can obtain a personal identification number for labels and sets a maximum registration fee of $25.