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1. Is it true that I need to have my food handling/safety training done before I start selling?

Yes, the Colorado Cottage Foods Act requires “producers to be certified in safe food handling and processing by a third-party certifying entity, comparable to and including the United States Department of Agriculture or the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Service, and must maintain a status of good standing in accordance with the certifying entity practices and procedures, including attending any classes required for certification.”

2. Do all employees in my business need safe food handling/processing training?

Yes. All employees directly handling food products are under the same guidelines of the Colorado Cottage Foods Act as stated above and need to have the same safe food handling/processing training and certification.

3. Are all pies allowed?

Many pies are allowed, however, potentially hazardous pies such as some pumpkin and cream pies are not allowed since they support pathogenic growth and therefore require refrigeration.

4. Would frozen jam/jelly be allowed?

No, frozen foods are not allowed cottage foods under the Colorado Cottage Foods Act.

5. What about using all your own home grown goods? Do I need a license to use them?

You are allowed to use home grown produce and herbs in the products you produce for sale. You do not need a license, but safe food handling/processing guidelines should be followed.

6. I want to sell canned little cakes and quick breads, is that allowed?

No, cakes and quick breads baked in a canning jar are not allowed, as they are not a safe product. Dry mixes that are labeled can be packed in a canning jar. The only canned products allowed under the Act are jams, jellies, and fruit butters (with the exception of jalapeno jelly and pumpkin butters which are not allowed).

7. Are traditionally fermented foods allowed, for instance, lacto-fermented pickles and such?

No, fermented foods are not covered under the Colorado Cottage Foods Act.

8. Why is jam production allowed but canned fruits are not allowed?

The preserved products allowed in Colorado as cottage foods (jams, jellies, some fruit butters) have different characteristics than canned fruits and vegetables. Higher amounts of sugar in these products lower the water activity and therefore inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

9. How do you label a wedding cake that is unpackaged?

For cakes that are not easily packaged, you must include all labeling requirements on the invoice and deliver the invoice with the cake directly to the consumer (purchaser). Smaller cakes must be boxed and the label must be included on the box.

10. When a home is mentioned, does that also apply to your apartment?

Yes, as long as the kitchen is in your primary residence. Do check on the policies for your HOA about operating a small business out of your home.