Colorado 'Cottage Food' Bill Gets First Approval

DENVER (AP) - It was a tasty day at the Colorado Capitol as lawmakers gave initial approval to a bill to expand food sales without requiring commercial kitchens.

Home cooks came to the Legislature with baked goodies to promote the bill Thursday. A House committee gave initial approval unanimously.

Republican Rep. Laura Bradford is sponsoring a so-called "cottage food" bill. It would allow commercial sales of food from a home kitchen. Currently, food sold commercially must come from a commercial kitchen.

Home cooks created a special cookie with the Colorado flag depicted over a cupcake to promote the idea. It would apply only to "non-potentially hazardous" foods.

A similar bill failed last year amid concerns that lack of oversight could pose health risks.

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