Rhode Island Cottage Food Law
A complete guide to cottage food regulations in Rhode Island (RI) — revenue limits, allowed products, labeling, and permitting requirements.
Requirements & Restrictions
Permitting & Registration
- Food Handler Certification
- Required
- Business License
- Not required
- State Registration
- Required — Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Center for Food Protection
Where You Can Sell
- Direct pickup at home
- Direct delivery within the state
- Farmers markets (requires additional retail food peddler license)
- Temporary events/festivals (requires additional retail food peddler license)
- Internet/mail/phone orders (delivery by registrant or designee in person within state)
Allowed Products
- Non-temperature controlled foods, such as:
- Double crust pies
- Yeast breads
- Biscuits
- Brownies
- Cookies
- Muffins
- Cakes that do not require refrigeration or temperature-controlled environment
- Frostings/fillings which are refrigerated for quality but not food safety reasons
- Other goods as defined by the department
Labeling Requirements
The following information must appear on every cottage food product label sold in Rhode Island:
Required Disclaimer
Made by a Cottage Food Business Registrant that is not Subject to Routine Government Food Safety Inspection
Additional Notes
Annual gross sales cap is $50,000 per calendar year (R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-27-6.2(6)); if exceeded, operator must obtain a food processor license or cease operations. Registration fee is $65 (one-year certificate). Registration requires: notarized affidavit of compliance, completed food safety training (Food Safety Manager Course or ANSI-approved food handler course), sketch of property, and labels for each product. If on a private well, annual water testing (Total Coliform, E. Coli, Nitrates) is required. Products may also be produced in a licensed commercial kitchen leased by the registrant. No consignment or wholesale sales permitted. Prohibited sales locations: grocery stores, restaurants, long-term care facilities, group homes, daycare facilities, and schools. Allergens explicitly cited in the statute include milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans (reflecting the pre-2023 FDA major allergens list; sesame not explicitly mentioned). Disclaimer must be printed in at least 10-point type in a clear and conspicuous manner that contrasts with the background label. Statute last amended by P.L. 2024, ch. 403, art. 2, § 6, effective June 26, 2024. The FAQ (dated November 2022) also mentions 'single crust fruit pies'; the controlling statutory text lists 'double crust pies' only.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the annual revenue limit for cottage food businesses in Rhode Island?
- Rhode Island cottage food producers may earn up to $50,000 per year from cottage food sales.
- Do I need a food handler certification to sell cottage food in Rhode Island?
- Yes. Rhode Island requires cottage food producers to hold a valid food handler certification.
- Is a business license required for cottage food sales in Rhode Island?
- No. Rhode Island does not require a business license to operate a cottage food business.
- Does Rhode Island require cottage food producers to register with the state?
- Yes. Rhode Island requires cottage food businesses to register with Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Center for Food Protection.
- Where can I legally sell cottage food products in Rhode Island?
- In Rhode Island, cottage food products may be sold at: Direct pickup at home, Direct delivery within the state, Farmers markets (requires additional retail food peddler license), Temporary events/festivals (requires additional retail food peddler license), Internet/mail/phone orders (delivery by registrant or designee in person within state).
- What allergen labeling standard applies to cottage food in Rhode Island?
- Rhode Island follows the CUSTOM for cottage food labeling.
- What products are allowed under Rhode Island cottage food law?
- The following product categories are permitted for cottage food production in Rhode Island: Non-temperature controlled foods, such as:, Double crust pies, Yeast breads, Biscuits, Brownies, Cookies, Muffins, Cakes that do not require refrigeration or temperature-controlled environment, Frostings/fillings which are refrigerated for quality but not food safety reasons, Other goods as defined by the department.