DENVER - Today, Governor Polis joined Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Ryan Gonzales to celebrate bipartisan food freedom legislation, deemed “the Tamale Act.” HB26-1033 - Expanding the Colorado Cottage Foods Act makes Colorado a food freedom state, allowing Coloradans who make delicious homemade foods like Tamales, Burritos, and Tortas to be sold responsibly to Coloradans. This action aligns Colorado with fellow Western states like Arizona and Wyoming that have removed this barrier for these types of home-cooked foods.
“In Colorado, we celebrate the delicious foods that are part of our culture and the kitchen entrepreneurs behind our favorite dishes. This important bill expands Coloradan’s access to delicious and safe homemade foods while supporting small kitchens and empowering Colorado’s cooking entrepreneurs. Some of our favorite restaurants were started in a home kitchen, and today we are taking action to remove unnecessary barriers for passionate home-based cooks to earn a living and legally sell delicious food,” said Governor Jared Polis.
This legislation removes unnecessary barriers that block passionate and innovative home-based cooks who are an important part of our communities and food scene. By removing the archaic barriers blocking home-based businesses from selling refrigerated foods, this bill supports small businesses and Coloradans access to delicious foods, all while prioritizing food safety.
“Unnecessary regulations make it harder for home cooks to sell their products. The Tamale Act would open up more opportunities for Coloradans to start a business, work hard and earn a living wage. I’m proud to carry this bipartisan bill to support Latino entrepreneurs and help more businesses get off the ground. This bill is deeply important for the Latino community, and I’m excited that many more people could soon be able to sell their food to people who want to buy it,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge.
“‘The Tamale Act’ is a step in the right direction for food freedom and to lift up the entrepreneurial spirit. Other states have a similar policy in place and it’s time for Colorado to be a part of something wonderful,” said Representative Ryan Gonzales.
Twelve states allow home producers to sell certain perishable foods, which is currently prohibited in Colorado. Expanding Colorado’s Cottage Food Act supports small home-based kitchen businesses and maintains important food safety standards. Sellers would be required to take a food safety course that includes basic food handling, ensuring foods comply with food safety requirements, and be subject to inspection and sampling by a state, country, or district health agency if a food producer violates the law or a health complaint is called in.
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