Rhode Island cottage food law

The rules at a glance

Cottage food manufacture

• Unattended honesty stand?

  Not addressed

  The law doesn't mention unattended, self-serve or honor-system stands.

• Sign up with the state?

  Yes

  Register with RIDOH each year with a notarized affidavit and a fee.

  Source

  • Each cottage food manufacturer shall be registered with the department of health and shall require a notarized affidavit of complianceRhode Island General Laws § 21-27-6.2, Cottage food manufacture
  • The certificate of registration shall be valid for one year after the date of issuanceRhode Island General Laws § 21-27-6.2, Cottage food manufacture
  • "Cottage food manufacture" means the production in accordance with the requirements of § 21-27-6.2 of allowable foods for retail sale directly to the consumer in a residential kitchenRhode Island General Laws § 21-27-1, Definitions

• Food safety class?

  Yes

  A food safety course before you first register.

  Source

  • Prior to the initial registration, each cottage food manufacturer is required to successfully complete a Food Safety Manager Course, any American Standards Institute approved food handler course, or any other course approved by the departmentRhode Island General Laws § 21-27-6.2, Cottage food manufacture

• Kitchen inspection?

  Sometimes

  The health department may inspect at any time, including after a complaint.

  Source

  • The director of health or designee may inspect a cottage food operation at any time to ensure compliance with the provisions of this sectionRhode Island General Laws § 21-27-6.2, Cottage food manufacture
  • Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the director of health or designee of the director from investigating the registered area of a cottage food operation in response to a foodborne illness outbreak, consumer complaint, or other public health emergencyRhode Island General Laws § 21-27-6.2, Cottage food manufacture

• Yearly sales limit

  $50,000 a year

  Total gross sales, not profit.

  Source

  • Total annual gross sales for a cottage food operation shall not exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) per calendar yearRhode Island General Laws § 21-27-6.2, Cottage food manufacture

• Foods that need a fridge?

  No

  Baked goods that need no refrigeration or temperature control.

  Source

  • Cottage food manufacture shall be limited to the production of baked goods that do not require refrigeration or time/temperature control for safetyRhode Island General Laws § 21-27-6.2, Cottage food manufacture

• Take orders online?

  Yes

  By internet, mail or phone, with delivery in person in Rhode Island.

  Source

  • Advertising and sales by internet, mail, and phone are permissible, provided the cottage food licensee or their designee shall deliver, in person, to the customer within the stateRhode Island General Laws § 21-27-6.2, Cottage food manufacture

• Ship or mail orders?

  No

  Delivery must be in person within Rhode Island.

  Source

  • Advertising and sales by internet, mail, and phone are permissible, provided the cottage food licensee or their designee shall deliver, in person, to the customer within the stateRhode Island General Laws § 21-27-6.2, Cottage food manufacture

• Sell through shops?

  No

  No grocery stores, restaurants, care facilities, daycares, schools or wholesale.

  Source

  • No such operation shall engage in consignment or wholesale salesRhode Island General Laws § 21-27-6.2, Cottage food manufacture
  • The following additional locational sales by any such cottage food operation shall be prohibited: (i) Grocery stores; (ii) RestaurantsRhode Island General Laws § 21-27-6.2, Cottage food manufacture

What goes on the label