PapaSmiff
09-29-2011, 08:43 AM
I'm starting to establish the business part of my maple operation. I got my Federal Tax EIN and my Massachusetts Tax ID. I've got the application from my local town for a DBA. I'm working with the local building inspector to make sure I adhere to signage, traffic, and building code requirements.
But here's the thing that worries me. I've been investigating getting a Residential Kitchen license so I can make and sell coated nuts. So I started reading Massachusetts Food Code Regulation 105CMR 590. It seems to imply that I need a Residential Kitchen license simply to make syrup - since this license would be required for the preparation and storage of "any food product". Agriculture does not seem to be exempted, except for a Farm Stand with uncut fruits and vegetables.
Does anyone from Mass know how a Maple Syrup operation (with candy and cream production) is exempted from this Residential Kitchen license requirement? If I'm reading the Regs correctly, even if I do get the Residential Kitchen license, I may not even be able to make coated nuts because they are "hazardous" due to potential allergens. I think I'm the first person to open a Maple Syrup Sugarhouse in Longmeadow, MA, so the town officials are not familiar with these types of operations.
But here's the thing that worries me. I've been investigating getting a Residential Kitchen license so I can make and sell coated nuts. So I started reading Massachusetts Food Code Regulation 105CMR 590. It seems to imply that I need a Residential Kitchen license simply to make syrup - since this license would be required for the preparation and storage of "any food product". Agriculture does not seem to be exempted, except for a Farm Stand with uncut fruits and vegetables.
Does anyone from Mass know how a Maple Syrup operation (with candy and cream production) is exempted from this Residential Kitchen license requirement? If I'm reading the Regs correctly, even if I do get the Residential Kitchen license, I may not even be able to make coated nuts because they are "hazardous" due to potential allergens. I think I'm the first person to open a Maple Syrup Sugarhouse in Longmeadow, MA, so the town officials are not familiar with these types of operations.