Cottage food laws · RI

Selling homemade food in Rhode Island

Rhode Island keeps things narrow: only nonperishable baked goods qualify (no jams, candy, or anything requiring refrigeration), a $65/year registration plus food handler training is required, and sales are capped at a fixed $50,000/year. You can take orders online, by mail, or by phone, but you (or a designee) still have to hand the product to the customer in person within the state.

Program

Rhode Island Cottage Food Manufacture Law

Registration

Cottage Food Manufacture registration with RI Dept of Health (RIGL Sec. 21-27-6.2) - $65 annual registration fee, completion of an ANAB-accredited food handler/food safety training course (retaken every 3 years), a notarized affidavit of kitchen compliance, and a property sketch (plus water testing if on a private well)

Annual sales cap

$50,000 gross annual (fixed by statute; does not adjust for inflation)

Online sales

Allowed (see notes)

You can sell

Nonperishable baked goods only: double-crust pies, yeast breads, biscuits, brownies, cookies, muffins, and cakes that do not require refrigeration (plus any other items RIDOH designates by rule)

You can't sell

Jams, jellies, and preserves (not covered - baked goods only)
Potentially hazardous foods needing refrigeration
Meat and poultry products
Low-acid canned vegetables
Consignment or wholesale sales
Sales to grocery stores, restaurants, long-term care facilities, group homes, daycares, or schools

Where you can sell

Direct to consumer at home
Farmers markets (separate retail food peddler license required)
Temporary events/festivals (separate retail food peddler license required)
Online, mail, or phone ordering with in-person hand-off

Selling online

Advertising and taking orders by internet, mail, or phone is allowed, but the registrant (or their designee) must hand-deliver the product to the customer in person within Rhode Island - the product itself may not be mailed or shipped

What your labels must include

Producer name & address
"Made by a Cottage Food Business Registrant that is not Subject to Routine Government Food Safety Inspection" statement in at least 10-point type, in clear and conspicuous contrast to the background
Ingredient list
Allergen disclosure
Net weight