Fake Colorado Produce Could Soon Bring Big Fines

August is prime harvest season for some of Colorado's most famous crops. Palisade Peaches, Olathe Sweet Corn, and Pueblo Chiles are just a few of the many famous foods that people from all over the United States come to Colorado for this time of year.

READ MORE: Pueblo vs. Hatch: Which Green Chile Do Coloradans Prefer?

Much like anything that is popular, there can be knock-offs and counterfeit items. Even with food. Imagine spending top dollar for a flat of Palisade Peaches, only to find out they were just regular everyday peaches from the grocery store, sold at top dollar.

a little boy eating a piece of food

I don't know about you, but I would be pretty angry in that situation. Soon, counterfeit and mislabeled produce sold as a Colorado product could come with hefty fines.

New Colorado Law Protects Colorado-Grown Produce

Colorado House Bill 26-1031 will become an active law on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. This law makes the deceptive trade practice of marketing out-of-state fruits and vegetables as Colorado-grown illegal.

The fine for sellers violating this new law is pretty large, up to $20,000, for deceptive marketing. Meaning when you see one of those Colorado Proud stickers on your favorite peach or melon, you know you will be getting authentic Colorado-grown produce.

Fake Palisade Peaches and Pueblo Chiles Could Bring Fines

This new law will cover some of Colorado's most popular produce items, including Olathe Sweet Corn, Pueblo Green Chiles, Rocky Ford Melons, and more. Colorado peaches from the Western Slope have long been touted as some of the best produce in the world, dating back over 100 years, with the awards to prove it from the 1893 and 1904 World's Fair.

READ MORE: The Best Palisade Peach Stands in Northern Colorado

I am actually quite surprised that a law such as this has taken so long to be enacted. Something as precious and tasty as our state-grown produce should be protected from imposters.