Rhode Island § 21-31-21 - Rhode Island Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics Act
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 21-31-21 — Rhode Island Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics Act, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 21-31-21. Rhode Island Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics Act
R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-31-21
§ 21-31-21. Inspection of establishments.
(a) The director of health or the director’s duly authorized agent shall have free access at all reasonable hours to any factory, warehouse, or other establishment, except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), in which foods, drugs, devices, or cosmetics are manufactured, processed, packed, or held for introduction into commerce, or to enter any vehicle being used to transport or hold the foods, drugs, devices, or cosmetics in commerce, for the purpose:
(1) Of inspecting the factory, warehouse, establishment, or vehicle to determine if any of the provisions of this chapter are being violated; and
(2) To secure samples or specimens of any food, drug, device, or cosmetic after paying or offering to pay for the sample. It shall be the duty of the director of health to make or cause to be made examinations of samples secured under the provisions of this section to determine whether or not any provision of this chapter is being violated.
(b) The director of health, the members of the state board of pharmacy, and the pharmacy inspectors and the narcotics inspectors in the department of health shall make the inspections and secure the samples of specimens and enforce the provisions of this chapter as the chapter applies to pharmacies.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 56, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 118, § 7.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 21-31-21
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 21-31-21 cover?
Section 21-31-21 ("Rhode Island Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics Act") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 21-31-21?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 21-31-21" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 21-31-21 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.