Rhode Island Cottage Food Label Requirements

The required label statement

Made by a Cottage Food Business Registrant that is not Subject to Routine Government Food Safety Inspection

Printed in at least ten-point type "in a clear and conspicuous manner that provides contrast to the background label" (R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-27-6.2(2)(vi)(D)). The statute writes the sentence in title case as quoted; the trailing comma inside the statute's quotation marks is sentence punctuation, not part of the statement. The statement is NOT required when the products were prepared in a commercial kitchen licensed by the department (§ 21-27-6.2(2)(vi)(D)).

What must be on your label

• An affixed label on each cottage food product (§ 21-27-6.2(2)(vi))
• Name, address, and telephone number (§ 21-27-6.2(2)(vi)(A))
• The ingredients of the cottage food product, in descending order of predominance by weight or volume (§ 21-27-6.2(2)(vi)(B))
• Allergen information, as specified by federal and state labeling requirements, such as milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans (§ 21-27-6.2(2)(vi)(C))
• The statement "Made by a Cottage Food Business Registrant that is not Subject to Routine Government Food Safety Inspection" in at least ten-point type, clear and conspicuous, contrasting with the background — unless the products were prepared in a department-licensed commercial kitchen (§ 21-27-6.2(2)(vi)(D))
• Labels for each product must be submitted with the RIDOH registration application (RIDOH Cottage Foods page)

Example: a Rhode Island label for a bag of butter cookies

An illustrative worksheet with the lines Rhode Island requires, and placeholders for your own details. It is not an approved product label or a tested recipe. Replace the ingredients and the measured package quantity with your actual product information.

The example ingredient order follows the input weights in our butter-cookie recipe. It does not establish the weight of a finished bag. Any additions or supplier sub-ingredients must be reflected in your own label. The statement's size on this web page is not a print-size check; compare the printed label with the rule above.

Before you print

1. Match every ingredient and sub-ingredient to your actual recipe and supplier labels.
2. Check the allergen declaration, the filled package's net quantity, and producer details.
3. Include the Rhode Island statement and check its size on the final printed label.
4. Review the whole package, including any required information placed outside the Nutrition Facts panel.

Rhode Island cottage food label questions

Does a Rhode Island cottage food label need a home-kitchen statement?

Yes. The label must say "Made by a Cottage Food Business Registrant that is not Subject to Routine Government Food Safety Inspection" in at least 10-point type. Printed in at least ten-point type "in a clear and conspicuous manner that provides contrast to the background label" (R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-27-6.2(2)(vi)(D)). The statute writes the sentence in title case as quoted; the trailing comma inside the statute's quotation marks is sentence punctuation, not part of the statement. The statement is NOT required when the products were prepared in a commercial kitchen licensed by the department (§ 21-27-6.2(2)(vi)(D)).

Do I need a license or registration to sell cottage food in Rhode Island?

Yes. Each cottage food manufacturer must be registered with RIDOH before selling: application with a $65 registration fee (payable to "General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island", fee set under § 23-1-54), proof of a food safety manager course / ANSI-accredited food handler course, a notarized affidavit of compliance, a property sketch (well/septic if private), private-well water test results, the list of products and a label for each. The certificate is valid one year and must be kept in the kitchen; RIDOH may inspect at any time (§ 21-27-6.2(4), (8)). Selling at farmers markets or temporary events additionally needs a retail food peddler license (RIDOH).

Is there a sales limit for Rhode Island cottage food?

Yes: $50,000 total annual gross sales per calendar year; above that the registrant must obtain a food processor license or cease operations (R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-27-6.2(6)).

Where can I sell cottage food in Rhode Island?

Direct to consumers only, by pickup or delivery within Rhode Island; internet, mail and phone advertising/sales allowed provided the registrant or designee delivers in person to the customer within the state. No consignment or wholesale; no sales at grocery stores, restaurants, long-term-care facilities, group homes, daycare facilities or schools (§ 21-27-6.2(1), (5)). Products limited to baked goods that do not need refrigeration or time/temperature control (double-crust pies, yeast breads, biscuits, brownies, cookies, muffins, shelf-stable cakes, other goods defined by RIDOH) (§ 21-27-6.2(3)). Sales are subject to sales tax (§ 21-27-6.2(7)).

Does a Rhode Island cottage food label need a Nutrition Facts panel?

Not by state cottage-food law unless a nutrient content or health claim is made; the federal small-business exemption usually applies. If you choose to print a panel, it has to be complete and correctly formatted.