Rhode Island Statewide Rule
Rhode Island Cottage Food Limited Statewide Licensing Framework
Key Facts
- Statute
- Section 21-27-6.2
- Registration
- $65 annual with DOH
- Allowed foods
- Nonperishable baked goods only
- Sales cap
- $50,000 per year
- Sales channel
- Direct to RI consumers
Summary
Rhode Island's Cottage Food law, R.I. Gen. Laws Section 21-27-6.2, lets residents register with the Department of Health for $65 a year to sell nonperishable baked goods made in a home kitchen, up to $50,000 in annual sales.
§ 21-27-6.2. Cottage food manufacture. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter, the department of health shall register cottage food manufacture and the sale of the products of cottage food manufacture direct to consumers whether by pickup or delivery within the state, provided that the requirements of this section are met. (1) The cottage food products shall be produced in a kitchen that is on the premises of a home and meets the standards for kitchens as provided for in minimum housing standards, adopted pursuant to chapter 24.2 of title 45 and the Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code, adopted pursuant to chapter 24.3 of title 45, and in addition the kitchen shall: (i) Be equipped at minimum with either a two (2) compartment sink or a dishwasher that reaches one hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit (150° F) after the final rinse and drying cycle and a one compartment sink; (ii) Have sufficient area or facilities, such as portable dish tubs and drain boards, for the proper handling of soiled utensils prior to washing and of cleaned utensils after washing so as not to interfere with safe food handling; equipment, utensils, and tableware shall be air dried; (iii) Have drain boards and food preparation surfaces that shall be of a nonabsorbent, corrosion resistant material such as stainless steel, formica, or other chip resistant, nonpitted surface; (iv) Have self-closing doors for bathrooms that open directly into the kitchen;
Full Breakdown
Under R.I. Gen. Laws Section 21-27-6.2, enacted in 2022, a resident may register as a cottage food manufacturer with the Department of Health's Center for Food Protection for a $65 annual fee. Production is limited to nonperishable baked goods that do not require refrigeration, such as breads, cookies, cakes, and muffins, made in a home kitchen. Annual sales are capped at $50,000, and sales must be direct to Rhode Island consumers face-to-face, with no wholesale or interstate shipping. Registrants must complete an approved food-safety course. Local boards of health enforce but cannot override the statewide standards.
Violations & Penalties
Operating without registration or beyond the allowed nonperishable baked-goods categories can bring cease-and-desist orders, embargo of food, and fines under R.I. Gen. Laws Section 21-27-11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell baked goods from my Rhode Island home kitchen?
Can my city impose stricter cottage food rules?
Sources
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