Do you need a license to sell honey in Massachusetts?

To sell honey in Massachusetts you generally have to register or get a license first.

A Residential Kitchen permit (105 CMR 590) from your town Board of Health is required before the first sale; rules vary by municipality.

What your Massachusetts honey label must include

Start with the federal basics that apply in every state:

  • The word "Honey" (you can name the floral source, like "Wildflower Honey", if it is the main source)
  • Net weight in both US and metric, in the bottom 30 percent of the front label
  • Your name and address
  • No ingredient list is needed for pure honey; add one the moment you add anything

Then, for Massachusetts: The honey law (MGL c.128 s36B) bans labeling anything "honey" or "pure honey" that is not pure honey made by honey bees; mixtures must state ingredients in equal-size type. The residential kitchen placard wording is set by your town board of health (model: prepared in a kitchen not subject to regulation and inspection by the regulatory authority).

For the full federal rules, including when a nutrition panel is required, see our honey labeling requirements guide.

The official Massachusetts source

These rules are set by Massachusetts Dept of Public Health; enforced by local Boards of Health. This reflects their published guidance; still confirm the current details before printing.

Read the official Massachusetts guidance.

Quick checklist for Massachusetts

  • The word "Honey"
  • Net weight in US and metric, bottom 30 percent of the front
  • Your name and address
  • The Massachusetts statement or disclaimer described above
  • Optional but recommended: "Do not feed honey to infants under one year of age"