Mushrooms
Cultivated mushrooms are produce; wild mushrooms need identification and an approved source.
Farm ExemptWholeFresh cultivated
ExpertWild ID required
DriedNon-TCS option
LocalMarket permit
What is covered and what needs a different path
What this guide covers
- Whole cultivated mushrooms from your farm
- Dried cultivated mushrooms under cottage rules
- Mushroom spawn and grow kits
- Fresh produce at farm stands
Needs a different path
- Wild mushrooms sold without expert identification
- Cut or prepared mushrooms (TCS)
- Medicinal claims (supplement rules)
- Wild foraged products from unapproved sources
Three compliance steps
A
Classify
Cultivated whole: produce. Dried: cottage. Wild: restricted. Prepared: licensed.
B
Identify wild mushrooms
Wild mushrooms must come from an approved source and be identified by a person approved by the regulatory authority.
C
Label and weigh
Name, address, net weight on a sealed scale.
Quick reference
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Cultivated | Raw agricultural commodity | DPH / local board |
| Wild | Approved source and identification | 105 CMR 590 (FC 3-201.16) |
| Dried | Non-TCS under cottage rules | 105 CMR 590.010(F) |
| Weights | Sealed scale | MA Division of Standards |
| Claims | Medicinal claims are supplement rules | FDA |
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell foraged morels?Only with an approved source and an identification process accepted by your Board of Health.
Are grow kits regulated as food?Typically not; they are plant products, check MDAR.
Do dried mushrooms need a permit?A residential kitchen permit is the cottage path.
Printable checklist
- Cultivated vs wild documented
- ID expert approved for wild
- Approved source confirmed
- Permit if dried
- Scale sealed
- Label correct
- No medicinal claims