When deciding whether to sell food on Shef, it's important for you to understand the laws in your city and state. As a marketplace, we do not provide legal advice, but we want to provide useful links and information that may help you better understand laws and regulations in Colorado. This list is not exhaustive and there may be additional requirements or considerations based on your individual circumstances.

The Colorado Cottage Foods Act was first enacted in 2012 and amended in 2013, 2015 and 2016. Colorado Revised Statutes 25-4-1614 permits the sale of nonpotentially hazardous foods including pickled fruits and vegetables, spices, teas, dehydrated produce, honey, jams, jellies, preserves, baked goods and candies and tortillas. More details can be found here.

Sellers are required to follow all state and local rules. If you would like to sell food items that are not covered by these laws, you are required to cook out of a commercial kitchen or other legal facility.

If you determine you need commercial kitchen space based on the regulations in your jurisdiction and your menu, there are many spaces for rent, including but not limited to a list we maintain here. If you need additional referrals, please email help@shef.com. Please note, we can't verify the commercial kitchens we refer will meet your specific needs so be sure to do your own diligence before partnering with any location.

Shef will determine whether sales tax is applicable, and will collect and remit those sales taxes on behalf of cooks and consumers who use the marketplace.

Additionally, shefs should consult a tax professional regarding their own personal income or other taxes. Cooks may need to obtain a business registration or tax permit depending on where they live, and should check their local city or county website for additional information.

Maintaining the safety of the Shef community is our number one priority. All shefs are required to pass an accredited food safety certification exam and must maintain minimum quality ratings.

According to Colorado law, home based food producers must take a food safety course that includes basic food handling training and is comparable to, or is a course given by, the Colorado state university extension service or a state, county, or district public health agency, and must maintain a status of good standing in accordance with the course requirements, including attending any additional classes if necessary. More details can be found here.