Food prepared at home or in an unlicensed kitchen is considered:

Food prepared at home or in an unlicensed kitchen is considered illegal for commercial use unless it comes from an approved cottage food operation. Cottage food laws allow individuals to prepare certain low-risk foods in their home kitchens and sell them, provided they meet specific requirements set by local health authorities. These regulations ensure that the food is made in an environment that complies with safety standards intended to protect public health.

Home kitchens without proper licensing and inspection do not adhere to the same safety standards as commercial kitchens, which can lead to foodborne illnesses or contamination risks. Consequently, while home-cooked meals can be safe for personal consumption, they cannot be legally sold unless they meet the stringent guidelines that cottage food operations must follow. This legal framework helps to ensure that food sold to the public is safe and properly handled, which is why the statement regarding the necessity of being from an approved cottage food operation is accurate.