WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 2506

AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- SANITATION IN FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sue Sosnowski

Allows on-farm kitchens to manufacture and sell select nonperishable farm products at local markets under DOH-regulated registration and safety rules.

06/11/2026 Senate passed Sub A
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2506

Overview

SB 2506 (Rhode Island, 2026) amends the sanitation in food establishments laws to permit farm home food manufacture and sale of certain farm-produced products at farmers’ markets, farmstands, and other farmer-operated markets and stores. The bill shifts specific regulatory requirements to allow on-farm kitchens to produce select nonperishable or non-potentially hazardous foods, with registration and compliance measures overseen by the state Department of Health.

Main purpose and intent

  • Expand opportunities for farm-based food production by allowing on-farm kitchens to manufacture and sell a defined set of products at local markets.
  • Create a streamlined regulatory framework to ensure safety while enabling small-scale, farm-based food businesses to operate.
  • Extend the list of permissible farm home food products to include pickles and relish (as noted in the explanatory section).

Key provisions and changes

  • Farm Home Food Manufacture: The Department of Health (DOH) may permit farm home food manufacture for sale at farmers’ markets, farmstands, and other markets/stores operated by farmers for Rhode Island farm products.
  • On-Farm Kitchen Requirements:
    • Kitchen must be on the premises of a farm and meet housing/occupancy standards, plus additional kitchen-specific requirements.
    • Equipment requirements include:
    • Either a two-compartment sink or a high-temperature dishwasher (capable of reaching 150°F after final rinse) plus a one-compartment sink.
    • Facilities for handling dirty and clean utensils (air drying, adequate drain boards).
    • Nonabsorbent, corrosion-resistant work surfaces (e.g., stainless steel, Formica, etc.).
    • Self-closing bathroom doors opening into the kitchen.
    • Private water supply must be tested annually if on private water.
  • Production Conditions:
    • Pets must be kept out of preparation and storage areas.
    • Cooking facilities may not be used for domestic food purposes while farm products are being prepared.
    • Proper waste management with impervious, covered garbage receptacles; daily removal when in use.
    • Laundry facilities in use with farm production must be avoided.
    • Documentation for each farm product, including ingredients, quantities, processing times, and procedures, must be kept on-site.
    • Ingredients must be listed on the product; farm name, address, and phone number must be on the label.
  • Product Scope:
    • Limited to nonpotentially hazardous foods and items that do not require refrigeration.
    • Specifically listed examples include jams, jellies, preserves, acid foods (vinegars, pickles, relishes), double-crust fruit pies, yeast breads, maple syrup (from the farm or within 20 miles), candies, fudges, and dried herbs/spices.
    • The bill’s explanatory text adds pickles and relish to the non-refrigerated permissible list.
  • Registration and Compliance:
    • Each farm kitchen must be registered with the DOH.
    • Requires a notarized affidavit of compliance; the DOH may issue a standard form for the affidavit.
    • A certificate of registration, valid for one year, is issued upon payment of a fee and submission of the affidavit.
    • The director may revoke the registration for noncompliance.
    • The certificate and affidavit must be kept in the kitchen.
  • Tax and Economic Provisions:
    • Income from farm home food manufacture is not included in calculating farm income for sales/use tax exemptions.
    • Equipment and supplies used for farm home food manufacture are not exempt from sales and use tax (unlike other farm exemptions).

Affected parties

  • Small-scale farmers operating on-farm kitchens.
  • Farmers selling products at farmers’ markets, farmstands, and farmer-operated venues.
  • Consumers purchasing farm home food products within the specified nonperishable/non-refrigerated categories.
  • Rhode Island Department of Health, which would regulate registration, compliance, and enforcement.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Upon passage.
  • Registration validity: One year, with potential for renewal upon meeting requirements.
  • Compliance oversight: DOH may develop standardized affidavit forms and issue registrations; DOH has enforcement authority to revoke registrations for noncompliance.
  • Note on administrative history: The measure was scheduled for committee consideration and has a recommendation to hold for further study earlier in the session, with later scheduling for consideration.

Potential impact

  • Expands legitimate marketing channels for farm products and may boost small-farm profitability.
  • Raises safety standards in a way that is tailored to small, on-farm operations.
  • Provides clearer documentation and labeling requirements to aid traceability and consumer information.
  • Maintains strict controls on product types to minimize food safety risks (focus on non-refrigerated, nonhazardous items).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.