Current Law Details
Last state to allow cottage food (Nov 2022). Most restrictive in nation - ONLY nonperishable baked goods allowed. No jams, jellies, candy, or other products common in other states. $65 annual registration, ANSI-accredited food safety training required, notarized affidavit annually. In-state sales and shipping only.
Registration & Training
📋Registration
- Required
- Yes
- Type
- registration
- Cost
- $65 annually
- Inspection Required
- No
🎓Training
- Required
- Yes
- Type
- ANSI-accredited food safety course
- Cost
- Varies ($25-$100 typical)
- Validity Period
- One-time requirement (no renewal specified)
Labeling Requirements
Required Statement
"Made by a Cottage Food Business Registrant"
Additional Label Elements
- ✓Business name and actual home address (no P.O. boxes)
- ✓Business phone number
- ✓Product name
- ✓Complete ingredient list (descending order by weight, include sub-ingredients)
- ✓Allergen declaration (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans)
- ✓Net weight/volume (if required by federal law)
Allowed Sales Venues
Allowed: farmers markets, fairs, festivals, direct sales from home, online with in-state shipping. PROHIBITED: grocery stores, restaurants, long-term care facilities, group homes, day care, schools, wholesale, consignment, any retail outlets.
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping Options
- In-State
- Allowed
- Out-of-State
- Not Allowed
Delivery Methods
- Commercial Carriers
- Allowed
- Third-Party Delivery
- Allowed
In-state shipping via mail/parcel service allowed. Producer or household member/agent can personally deliver. No out-of-state sales or shipping permitted.
Allowed Foods
MOST RESTRICTIVE: Only nonperishable baked goods allowed (bagels, breads, biscuits, brownies, cake pops, cakes including wedding cakes, cookies, cupcakes, crackers, Danish pastries, granola, macarons, muffins, double-crust pies, pretzels, rolls, scones). NOT allowed: jams/jellies, pickles, honey, candy, chocolate, sauces, vinegars, dried herbs/spices, nut butters, popcorn, coffee/tea, freeze-dried foods, perishable baked goods (cream/custard-filled).
Recent Legislative Updates
P.L. 2024, ch. 403, art. 2, § 6
Effective: June 26, 2024
Technical/administrative amendment to R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-27-6.2. No substantive expansion of product categories or reduction of restrictions.
H 7123
Effective: November 2022
Rhode Island became 50th and final state to pass cottage food law. Created cottage food program for general public (previously only farmers with $2,500+ sales could sell homemade food). Limited to nonperishable baked goods only.
Important Warnings & Notes
- ⚠️Most restrictive cottage food law in nation - only baked goods allowed
- ⚠️No jams, jellies, candy, or dried foods (unlike most states)
- ⚠️Notarized affidavit required annually (unusual requirement)
- ⚠️Must use actual home address on labels (no P.O. boxes)
- ⚠️Private well users must conduct annual water testing (Total Coliform, E. Coli, Nitrates)
- ⚠️Out-of-state sales completely prohibited
- ⚠️Director of Health may inspect without notice at any time
- ⚠️Certificate can be revoked for non-compliance
- ⚠️Separate Farm Home Food Manufacture program exists for farmers ($2,500+ farm sales) with more products but no online sales
Research Sources
This information was compiled from the following sources (Last updated: 2025-10-06):
- •Rhode Island General Laws § 21-27-6.2 (2024)
- •Rhode Island Department of Health - Cottage Foods
- •RI Dept of Health - Application Form
- •Institute for Justice - Rhode Island
- •Forrager.com - Rhode Island
- •NYC Food Policy - RI Final State Coverage
Important Legal Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Cottage food laws change frequently and vary by local jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with your state and local health departments before starting your business.
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