Cottage Food (also known as Residential Kitchens)

What is a Residential Kitchen?
A Residential Kitchen is a kitchen in a private home. Most Residential Kitchens, including those in a private home where individuals are cooking for their family or for charitable purposes, like a bake sale, do not require a permit. Certain food-based activities in Residential Kitchens require a license or permit either as a Retail Residential Kitchen or as a Wholesale Residential Kitchen. If a Retail permit is required, the Residential Kitchen must comply with certain requirements in the Retail Food Code (105 CMR 590). If a wholesale license is required, the Residential Kitchen must comply with certain requirements in the regulations for Good Manufacturing Practices (105 CMR 500).

Shrewsbury Health Department Permitting Requirements

  • completed food permit application (the application can be found under Resources towards the bottom of this page)
  • copy of Food Protection Manager certificate
  • copy of Food Allergen Awareness certificate
  • sample of label
  • list of food that will be prepared
  • $250.00 fee (check can be made payable to: Town of Shrewsbury)
  • any other information that the Health Agent may require

Upon receipt of the application packet, the Health Agent will review the information and will reach back out with any questions. A subsequent kitchen would take place prior to permit issuance. Once a permit has been issued, it is valid until December 31st of that year. Renewals are sent out in the fall for a January 1st effective date.

Resources

  1. Food Permit Application (PDF)
  1. Shrewsbury Board of Health Fee Schedule (PDF)