A cottage food business is a small-scale operation where homemade food products are prepared and sold, typically from a home kitchen. These businesses are regulated by state and local laws, which often have specific guidelines about what types of food can be sold, packaging requirements, and where products can be sold.

Yes, cottage food businesses are required to follow specific food safety regulations. While the businesses may not be subject to the same inspections as commercial food producers, they are typically required to adhere to strict guidelines on ingredients, sanitation, and packaging to ensure the products are safe for consumption.