Colorado Cottage Food Label Requirements

The required label statement

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.

Two-sentence disclaimer prescribed by C.R.S. §25-4-1614(3)(a)(V) — print it verbatim. No type size, font, colour or panel is fixed; the label must be "affixed" to the product. CDPHE's older checklist inserts "sesame" into the allergen list; the statutory list (as quoted on CDPHE's labeling page) omits sesame — the statutory wording is used here. A separate point-of-sale placard is also required: "This product was produced in a home kitchen that is not subject to state licensure or inspection. This product is not intended for resale."

What must be on your label

• Identification of the product (C.R.S. §25-4-1614(3)(a)(I))
• The producer's name (§25-4-1614(3)(a)(II))
• The address at which the food was prepared (§25-4-1614(3)(a)(II)) — until Dec 31, 2026; from Jan 1, 2027 replaced by the COUNTY in which the food was prepared plus the CDPHE-issued registration number (HB26-1033)
• The producer's current telephone number or electronic mail address (§25-4-1614(3)(a)(II))
• The date on which the food was produced (§25-4-1614(3)(a)(III))
• A complete list of ingredients (§25-4-1614(3)(a)(IV)) — CDPHE: in descending order by weight
• The disclaimer "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." (§25-4-1614(3)(a)(V))
• From Jan 1, 2027: the CDPHE website address (cdphe.colorado.gov/dehs/cottage-foods) with contact information to report foodborne illness and verify registration (§25-4-1614(3)(a)(VI) as added by HB26-1033)
• Point of sale (in person and online): a placard, sign or card reading "This product was produced in a home kitchen that is not subject to state licensure or inspection. This product is not intended for resale." (§25-4-1614(3)(c); CDPHE)
• Whole eggs: carton must show the address where the eggs originated and the packing date (CDPHE)
• A product sold without a compliant label is misbranded (§25-4-1614(3)(b))
• No state requirement for net quantity — federal labeling rules may still apply

Example: a Colorado label for a bag of butter cookies

An illustrative worksheet with the lines Colorado requires, and placeholders for your own details. It is not an approved product label or a tested recipe. Replace the ingredients and the measured package quantity with your actual product information.

The example ingredient order follows the input weights in our butter-cookie recipe. It does not establish the weight of a finished bag. Any additions or supplier sub-ingredients must be reflected in your own label. The statement's size on this web page is not a print-size check; compare the printed label with the rule above.

Before you print

1. Match every ingredient and sub-ingredient to your actual recipe and supplier labels.
2. Check the allergen declaration, the filled package's net quantity, and producer details.
3. Include the Colorado statement and check its size on the final printed label.
4. Review the whole package, including any required information placed outside the Nutrition Facts panel.

Colorado cottage food label questions

Does a Colorado cottage food label need a home-kitchen statement?

Yes. The label must say "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.". Two-sentence disclaimer prescribed by C.R.S. §25-4-1614(3)(a)(V) — print it verbatim. No type size, font, colour or panel is fixed; the label must be "affixed" to the product. CDPHE's older checklist inserts "sesame" into the allergen list; the statutory list (as quoted on CDPHE's labeling page) omits sesame — the statutory wording is used here. A separate point-of-sale placard is also required: "This product was produced in a home kitchen that is not subject to state licensure or inspection. This product is not intended for resale."

Do I need a license or registration to sell cottage food in Colorado?

No. Until Dec 31, 2026: no registration or licence; the producer must complete an approved food safety course (basic food handling; CSU Extension course or equivalent) before selling (§25-4-1614(2)(c)). From Jan 1, 2027 (HB26-1033): annual registration with CDPHE before selling, CDPHE issues a registration number that must appear on the label, electronic public registry, and a CSU or equivalent training certificate kept in good standing; producers of time/temperature-controlled foods need TTC-specific training.

Is there a sales limit for Colorado cottage food?

Yes: $10,000 net revenue per eligible food product per calendar year until Dec 31, 2026 (§25-4-1614(2)(e); CDPHE checklist); from Jan 1, 2027: $150,000 gross revenue per calendar year in total, CPI-adjusted annually by CDPHE (HB26-1033).

Where can I sell cottage food in Colorado?

Direct from the producer (or designated representative) to an informed end consumer only; Colorado only, no interstate commerce, no resale; not to restaurants, grocery stores or other retail food establishments; internet sales allowed with direct delivery arranged between producer and consumer inside Colorado; farmers' markets, roadside stands, CSAs, storefronts (gift shops etc.) and the producer's home are allowed venues (§25-4-1614(2)(a),(2)(d); CDPHE).

Does a Colorado cottage food label need a date?

Yes. Colorado prints the date produced on every package, so the label changes with each batch.

Does a Colorado cottage food label need a Nutrition Facts panel?

Not by state cottage-food law unless a nutrient content or health claim is made; the federal small-business exemption usually applies. If you choose to print a panel, it has to be complete and correctly formatted.