Massachusetts § 77G - Use of dead lobsters for food purposes

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 77G — Use of dead lobsters for food purposes, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 77G. Use of dead lobsters for food purposes

Section 77G. Whoever cooks, buys, sells, offers or exposes for sale, gives away, or knowingly delivers, transports, ships, or receives for food purposes any lobster, or similar species of crustacea, or any part thereof, which is uncooked and dead, or which was cooked after it was dead, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $250 nor more than $500, or by imprisonment for not less than 10 nor more than 60 days, or both; provided, however, that it shall not be a violation of this section to cook, buy, sell, offer or expose for sale, give away or knowingly deliver, transport, ship or receive any lobster or part thereof processed for food by a person who has been licensed or certified under this section, as hereinafter provided.

The department of public health may license any person to process within the commonwealth lobsters in the shell of legal length for food by a method approved by it. The department shall from time to time adopt rules and regulations governing the processing of such lobsters and the sanitary conditions required for the establishment of a person licensed under this section.

Each container of lobsters processed by a method as herein provided shall bear a plainly marked label, which shall include the license number or name of the packer, and the date of the processing of said lobsters.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 77G

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 77G cover?

Section 77G ("Use of dead lobsters for food purposes") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 77G?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 77G" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 77G apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.