El Paso County, CO Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

In 2012, the Colorado legislature enacted the Colorado Cottage Foods Act, allowing limited types of food products that are non-potentially hazardous (do not require refrigeration for safety) to be sold directly to consumers without licensing or inspections. Eligible foods What type of foods are eligible? Foods that are non-potentially hazardous, or in other words, do not require refrigeration for safety. This includes: Pickled fruits and vegetables with a finished equilibrium pH of 4.6 or below. Dry spices. Dry teas. Dehydrated produce. Nuts, seeds. Honey, jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butter. Flour, candies, fruit empanadas, tortillas and other similar products that do not require refrigeration for safety. Up to 250 dozen whole eggs per month may also be sold. Baked goods such as muffins, fruit pies, cookies, and cakes. Roasted coffee beans. Buttercream made with ghee or vegetable oil (buttercream made with butter is not allowed). Candies such as cotton candy and fudge. Freeze-dried produce. Selling cottage foods There are restrictions on how and where you can sell your Cottage Foods product(s). Product(s) must be delivered directly from producer to an informed end consumer and cannot be resold. Product(s) cannot be sold to restaurants or grocery stores. Product(s) may only be sold in Colorado. At the point of sale, clearly display a placard, sign or card with the following disclaimer: "This product was produced in a home kitchen that is not subject to state licensure or inspection. This product is not intended for resale."