Massachusetts Food Safety Compliance
Everything food businesses need to know about compliance in Massachusetts. Covers Massachusetts Food Code (105 CMR 590.000).
Adopted from
FDA Food Code 2013
HACCP required
Yes
Food handler card
Required
Inspection frequency
At least annually
Permit cost
$50-$500
Compliance guides for Massachusetts
Food Trucks in Massachusetts
Permits, commissary requirements, and mobile food regulations for Massachusetts.
Cloud Kitchens in Massachusetts
Ghost kitchen licensing, multi-brand compliance, and Massachusetts food code requirements.
Caterers in Massachusetts
Catering permits, event food safety, and transport compliance in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Health Department
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
1-617-624-6000
Contact your local health department for specific permit applications and inspection scheduling.
Common violations in Massachusetts
- Improper holding temperatures
- Lack of allergen awareness training
- Inadequate handwashing
- Cross-contamination risks
- Missing food handler certifications
PassMyKitchen helps you avoid these violations by tracking your daily compliance tasks and maintaining inspection-ready records.
Top cities for food businesses in Massachusetts
Frequently asked questions about Massachusetts food safety
Massachusetts requires all food establishment employees to complete allergen awareness training. At least one Certified Food Protection Manager must also be on staff. This is unique to Massachusetts.
Boston has a competitive mobile food vendor permit process. You need a food service permit, a commissary agreement, a vehicle inspection, and a mobile food vendor license from the city.
Massachusetts requires at least one inspection per year for all food establishments. Higher-risk operations may be inspected more frequently by the local board of health.
Massachusetts requires HACCP plans for specialized processing like smoking, curing, or reduced oxygen packaging. Standard operations benefit from having one but may not be legally required to.
Ready to get compliant in Massachusetts?
PassMyKitchen generates a custom HACCP plan based on Massachusetts Food Code (105 CMR 590.000). Set up in 3 minutes.