Cottage Food Operations: Fort Collins vs Loveland

Can I sell homemade baked goods from my home?

Yes, under cottage food laws in most areas. Fort Collins allows certain shelf-stable foods sold directly to consumers with proper labeling.

Do I need a commercial kitchen?

No, cottage food laws allow production in your home kitchen without commercial inspection, within revenue limits.

Can I sell home-baked goods from my Loveland home?

Yes, under the Colorado Cottage Foods Act (CRS 25-4-1614). You may sell baked goods, jams, jellies, honey, candies, spices, dehydrated produce, nuts, flour, and whole eggs (up to 250 dozen per month) directly to consumers without a state license, permit, or kitchen inspection. Before your first sale you must complete a CDPHE-approved food safety training course. Every product must be labeled with the producer's name and address, ingredients in descending order by weight (with sub-ingredients), net weight in U.S. and metric units, major allergen declaration, production date, and the verbatim required disclaimer. Sales must be in-person and direct-to-consumer in Colorado - mailing or shipping via USPS/UPS/FedEx is prohibited. Each individual product is capped at $10,000 net sales per calendar year. Loveland UDC Division 18.02.06 home occupation standards still apply locally.

Can I sell home-canned salsa or pickles in Loveland?

Pickled fruits and vegetables and other acid-preserved items are typically allowed under the Colorado Cottage Foods Act only if they meet the law's non-potentially-hazardous criteria (proper pH, water activity, and processing). Low-acid canned goods (green beans, corn, meat, fish) are prohibited under the Cottage Foods Act because of botulism risk. Salsa and similar acidified products require careful pH verification; CDPHE recommends consulting the Colorado State University Extension or CDPHE before selling acidified canned goods. Selling prohibited products triggers stop-sale orders and embargo by the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.