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Colorado expands Cottage Foods Act to allow sales of refrigerated foods
ColoradoBiz Staff //June 8, 2026//
Colorado Gov. Polis signs HB26-1033 - Expanding the Colorado Cottage Foods Act). Courtesy of the Governor's Office.
Colorado Gov. Polis signs HB26-1033 - Expanding the Colorado Cottage Foods Act). Courtesy of the Governor's Office.
Colorado expands Cottage Foods Act to allow sales of refrigerated foods
ColoradoBiz Staff //June 8, 2026//
In Brief:
- Gov. Jared Polis signs House Bill 26-1033
- Law allows sales of homemade refrigerated foods
- Sponsored by Reps. Ryan Gonzalez and Monica Duran
- Known as the Tamale Act supporting small kitchens
DENVER — Gov. Jared Polis signed House Bill 26-1033 into law, expanding Colorado‘s Cottage Foods Act to allow the sale of certain homemade refrigerated foods, including tamales, burritos and tortas.
The measure, known as the Tamale Act, was sponsored by Reps. Ryan Gonzalez, Monica Duran and Sens. Robert Rodriguez and Byron Pelton. Supporters said the law creates a legal pathway for home-based food entrepreneurs to sell temperature-controlled foods that were previously prohibited under the Cottage Foods Act.
“This important bill expands Coloradans’ access to homemade foods while supporting small kitchens and entrepreneurs,” Polis said.
Under the updated law, individuals can sell approved refrigerated foods produced in home kitchens, provided they meet the state-established food safety requirements.
Duran said the legislation could create new income opportunities for families operating small food businesses.
“The Tamale Act makes it possible for Coloradans to sell safe, temperature-controlled foods, like tamales and burritos, with fewer barriers,” Duran said.
Rodriguez said the law formalizes a practice already common in many communities.
“People already sell prepared food like tamales, pupusas and baked goods to their friends, family and neighbors,” Rodriguez said. “This law creates a pathway for this to happen in a safe and legal way.”
The bill was among 436 measures signed into law following the 2026 legislative session.
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