Massachusetts Requirements: Selling from Home

[PapaSmiff]

I'm considering selling maple syrup, candy, and coated nuts from my home / sugarhouse next year. Aside from any local city/town regulations, what are the requirements in the State of Mass? Are there any Federal Regs that need to be followed?

I've read many documents regarding cleanliness, quality, and safety in maple product production. I will meet all of those guidelines, except for running hot/cold water. I'll probably have a large water bottle that can supply hot and cold potable water.

But do I need to be licensed? Do I need to register a company name? If someone could point me to some links on this subject, I'd appreciate it.

[BryanEx]

I don't have any regulations for MA in my collection so far but I'll be watching this thread to see what turns up. Only thing I have that would apply to you is the US Federal Grading Standards (http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELDEV3011897).

[foursapssyrup]

I don't have any regulations for MA in my collection so far but I'll be watching this thread to see what turns up. Only thing I have that would apply to you is the US Federal Grading Standards (http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELDEV3011897).

just read through that, and is that really how you spell syrup (sirup???). kinda threw me off reading that...

[PapaSmiff]

OK. I'm starting to answer my own question here. I should have done the research before making the post.

So it looks like the Feds are only concerned with Grading.
The only Mass Law I could find was related to Labelling. It cannot say "Maple Syrup, Maple Candy, etc" unless it's 100% maple - not mixed with anything else.

I also found the Massachusetts Food Producers Resource Manual, which I think will be the most helpful Massachusetts resource.

http://www.mass.gov/agr/markets/specfood/food_processor_resource_manual_EZprint.htm

According to the Mass Food Producers Resource Manual, I need to have the kitchen inspected - because the product is "hot filled". And I need product liability insurance. Is that REALLY required, if I'm selling from my home?

I still haven't found anything about licensing. I'll keep looking.

[highlandcattle]

A license is alway nice. Your accountant will want this probably. Your local assessor can help with tax exemptions, take all you can get,labeling is always needed along with grading. As long as everything is clean and neat you should be ok, Stainless steel is the standard for food production. We joined the NYS Maple Producers Association, call yours and get advice. Dept of Ag. and Markets has what you need also. Can't be too careful now a days, always someone looking to sue.

[wcproctor]

I would be come a member of Massachusetts Maple Producers Association.
http://www.massmaple.org/membership.php