MEHKO Hub: Your Home Kitchen Restaurant Guide
Everything you need to know about operating a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) in California, with detailed information for Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside Counties. Find rules, resources, grants, and more!
Platform Transaction Fee: Our platform charges a 10% transaction fee on all orders processed through our system. This fee covers payment processing, platform maintenance, and customer support services.
Liability Insurance Notice: Individual chefs are responsible for obtaining their own liability insurance for food-related incidents. Our platform does not provide liability coverage for food safety issues, allergic reactions, or other incidents related to food sales. We strongly recommend all MEHKO operators obtain appropriate business and product liability insurance.
Annual Permit Renewal Required: All MEHKO permits must be renewed annually with your local environmental health agency. Failure to maintain current permits may result in suspension from our platform.
California Code Chapter 11.6 - MEHKO Requirements
Core Operational Limits (Cal Code §114365)
- Daily Meal Limit: Maximum 30 individual meals per day
- Weekly Meal Limit: Maximum 90 individual meals per week
- Annual Gross Sales Cap: $100,000 (adjusted annually for inflation per Consumer Price Index)
- Employee Limit: One full-time equivalent employee maximum (excluding family/household members)
Permit Requirements (Cal Code §114370)
- Annual Permit: Must obtain and maintain current MEHKO permit from local enforcement agency
- Permit Display: Permit must be conspicuously posted in the home kitchen
- Renewal: Permits expire annually and must be renewed
- Inspection: Subject to routine inspections by local enforcement agency
Food Safety Certification (Cal Code §114371)
- Food Protection Manager: Operator must pass approved Food Protection Manager examination
- Food Handler Cards: All individuals handling food must obtain valid Food Handler Cards
- Certification Maintenance: Certifications must be kept current and available for inspection
Operational Restrictions (Cal Code §114372-114375)
- Same-Day Service: Food must be prepared, cooked, and served/delivered on the same day
- Direct Sales Only: No wholesale, catering, or retail sales to other food facilities
- No On-Site Consumption: Food is for off-site consumption only
- Prohibited Foods: Cannot prepare foods requiring HACCP plans, raw milk products, or other high-risk items
- Water Source: Must use approved public water supply
- Waste Disposal: Must connect to approved public sewer system
Facility Requirements (Cal Code §114376)
- Kitchen Standards: Must meet California Retail Food Code requirements
- Separate Sinks: Dedicated food preparation sink and three-compartment warewashing sink required
- Flooring: Smooth, durable, and easily cleanable surfaces in food prep areas
- Pet Restrictions: No pets in food preparation or service areas during operation
- Storage: Proper separation of MEHKO ingredients from personal food items
Advertising and Signage (Cal Code §114377)
- No Outdoor Signage: Prohibited from displaying outdoor signs or advertisements
- Noise Compliance: Must comply with local noise ordinances and nuisance laws
- Residential Character: Operations must maintain residential neighborhood character
Record Keeping (Cal Code §114378)
- Sales Records: Maintain accurate records of all sales and transactions
- Ingredient Sourcing: Document all ingredient purchases from approved vendors
- Employee Records: Maintain records of all employees and their certifications
- Inspection Access: Records must be available for inspection by enforcement agency