Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO)

Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO)

Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO)

Limitations:

A picture of a home representing - Only one MEHKO is permitted per site. The operator must be the resident of the private home and is responsible for the operations. Only one MEHKO is permitted per site. The operator must be the resident of the private home and is responsible for the operations.
A picture of a meal representing - A maximum of 30 meals per day and 60 meals per week can be served (with an annual cap of $50,000). A maximum of 30 meals per day and 90 meals per week can be served (with an annual cap of $100,000).
A picture representing - Any person(s) involved with the MEHKO (except the operator) must obtain a food handler card. Only one full-time employee, not including family or household members is allowed. The MEHKO operator shall successfully pass an approved and accredited food safety manager certification examination. Any person(s) involved with the MEHKO (except the operator) must obtain a food handler card. Only one full-time employee, not including family or household members is allowed.

The MEHKO operator shall successfully pass an approved and accredited food safety manager certification examination.
A picture of a home representing - No signage or other outdoor displays for advertising are allowed. All internet food service intermediaries used must be approved by the California Department of Public Health. No signage or other outdoor displays for advertising are allowed. All internet food service intermediaries used must be approved by the California Department of Public Health.
A picture of a calendar representing - All food must be prepared, cooked, and served on the same day. All food must be prepared, cooked, and served on the same day.
A picture of a market representing - Food from a MEHKO cannot be sold to other food facilities, food truck, or food booths for resale and a picture of a food truck representing - Food from a MEHKO cannot be sold to other food facilities, food truck, or food booths for resale. Food from a MEHKO cannot be sold to other food facilities, food truck, or food booths for resale.
A picture of raw milk and raw oysters representing - MEHKOs may not produce, serve, or use raw milk, serve raw oysters, or any food that would require HACCP plan. MEHKOs may not produce, serve, or use raw milk, serve raw oysters, or any food that would require HACCP plan.
A picture of a food delivery truck representing - Delivery to a consumer must be done by an employee of the MEHKO, a family member, or household member of the permit holder. Delivery to a consumer must be done by an employee of the MEHKO, a family member, or household member of the permit holder.

How to open a MEHKO:

  1. Fill out the MEHKO Application/SOP form from our website and submit either through mail or in person along with the applicable permit fee.
  2. Schedule an inspection with the Environmental Health Specialist. The following MEHKO areas of the residence will be inspected: Kitchen, Consumer Eating Area, Restroom, Janitorial or Cleaning Facilities, Refuse Storage Area, Storage Areas used for Food, Utensils, or Equipment, Vehicle used for transporting food to or from a MEHKO.
  3. Once all the documents have been reviewed and approved and the home inspection is complete, the MEHKO may be approved for a permit to operate.