Frozen Dessert License (soft-serve / ice cream made on site): Boston restaurant guide
Boston ISD — Health Division (under M.G.L. c.94 §65G)
What it is
Massachusetts requires any retail establishment that operates a frozen dessert freezing/dispensing machine to be licensed and inspected by the local board of health (ISD in Boston), with monthly bacteriological testing of the product by a certified lab.
When a restaurant needs it
Making soft-serve, ice cream, frozen yogurt or similar frozen desserts on site. Buying pre-packaged ice cream doesn't trigger it.
How to apply
Tell ISD Health at plan review (frozen dairy triggers a formal plan review) and add the frozen desserts category or add-on to your Food Establishment Permit application.
Documents you’ll need
- Food Establishment Permit application with frozen desserts selected
- Equipment specs for the machine (NSF)
- Monthly lab test results once operating
Good to know
DPH's limits are 10 coliform per gram and a 30,000 standard plate count for mixes; keep the monthly lab reports on site for the inspector.
Official source
Boston — Food Service Permit (frozen desserts fees) · MA DPH — licensing & testing requirements for frozen desserts
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.