Douglas County, CO Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)
Key Facts
- License/inspection
- Not required
- Revenue cap
- $10,000 per product/year
- Sales
- Direct to consumer only
- Training
- Food safety course required
- Statute
- CRS 25-4-1614
Summary
Colorado's Cottage Foods Act lets Douglas County residents sell certain non-hazardous homemade foods directly to consumers without a license or inspection, capped at $10,000 net sales per product each year. Producers must take a food safety course and label products.
This product was produced in a home kitchen that is not subject to state licensure or inspection and that may also process common food allergens such as tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy, wheat, milk, fish and crustacean shellfish. This product is not intended for resale.
Full Breakdown
Under CRS 25-4-1614, a home kitchen producing cottage foods is exempt from state retail-food licensing and inspection. Allowed foods are non-potentially-hazardous items such as spices, teas, dehydrated produce, nuts, seeds, honey, jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butter, flour, candies, tortillas, and certain baked goods; whole eggs are limited to 250 dozen per month. Sales must be direct to the consumer (home, roadside stand, farmers' market, or CSA); wholesale and sales to restaurants or grocery stores are prohibited. Net sales are capped at $10,000 per product per year. Producers must complete a food safety course comparable to the CSU Extension program and label each product with the required disclaimer.
Violations & Fines
Selling disallowed foods or omitting required labeling can prompt DEHS or the local public health agency to investigate and order production and distribution of the product to cease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to sell homemade jam in Douglas County?
Can I sell cottage foods to a store or restaurant?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Douglas County
Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Colorado home business overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.