Senate Committee approves expanding ‘Cottage Foods

Senate Committee approves expanding ‘Cottage Foods Act’

Sen. Kerry Donovan

DENVER — Fittingly during lunchtime today, the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee unanimously approved legislation to allow farmers to sell more of their products in more ways.

The “Colorado Cottage Foods Act” was created in 2012 and allows Coloradans to sell spices, teas, nuts, jams, and other homemade products without a retail food license.  The producers will be able to use their home kitchens after food-safety training.

Today’s bill (HB 15-1102) expands the act to include fruit empanadas, tortillas, and flour, as well as pickled vegetables as long as those pickled items follow appropriate guidelines.

“Growing amazing produce and turning that produce or other local ingredients into products helps small farmers and ranchers make ends meet,” said Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. “This bill was created in response to feedback from our small producers, and I am happy that it has been received so well. Expanding the Cottage Foods Act will expose more consumers to the great items Colorado grows.”

HB 15-1102 will now head to the Senate Appropriations Committee.