Rhode Island Statewide Rule

Rhode Island Cottage Food Limited Statewide Licensing Framework

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Rhode Island (2026)

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.

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

Source: Rhode Island General Assembly

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?

Yes, if you register as a cottage food manufacturer with the Department of Health under Section 21-27-6.2 ($65 a year), sell only nonperishable baked goods, and stay under $50,000 in annual direct sales.

Can my city impose stricter cottage food rules?

Local boards of health enforce the statewide standards but cannot prohibit cottage food activity the legislature authorized; they may inspect and require compliance with state code.

Sources

RIGL Chapter 21-27

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