Critical Links

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

STATUS: State has approved MEHKOs (but each county must opt-in)

MAIN LINK: (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/MicroenterpriseHomeKitchenOperations.aspx)

Here you will find all the general state level information regarding MEHKO regulations.

Since the law “gives a city or county ‘full discretion’ to authorize the MEHKOs in their jurisdiction. Under the regulations, until a county or a city authorizes these types of operations, MEHKOs will not be able to be issued a health permit to operate,” what you will find on the state’s page are general guidelines only.

This offers good information to be sure but make sure to visit the following links for the county that you are interested in to find the actual forms and information necessary to begin the MEHKO sign-up process.

General Permit Requirements for Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations -

"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/CDPH%20Document%20Library/FDB/FoodSafetyProgram/MEHKO/MEHKO%20General%20Permit%20Requirements.pdf

California Retail Food Code -

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/CDPH%20Document%20Library/FDB/FoodSafetyProgram/MEHKO/CALIFORNIA%20RETAIL%20FOOD%20CODE%202019.pdf

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNET FOOD SERVICE INTERMEDIARIES

(https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/CDPH%20Document%20Library/FDB/FoodSafetyProgram/RetailFood/Internet%20Food%20Service%20Intermediary%20General%20Requirements.pdf)

Prior to an IFSI advertising microenterprise home kitchen operations, the local governmental jurisdiction where the MeHKO resides must have in place an ordinance or resolution that creates a food permit and inspection program with the local environmental health agency that meet the requirements under the California Retail Food Code (Cal Code) Chapter 11.6.

--- MEHKO INFORMATION LINKS BY COUNTY ---

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

STATUS: Approved : County is accepting application for MEHKO’s.

MAIN LINK: (https://rivcoeh.org/OurServices/Foods/MicroenterpriseHomeKitchenOperations)

“To reach Riverside County Environmental Health staff by telephone during office hours (Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:30pm PST) please call us toll free at (888) 722-4234.”

Visit The Riverside County Department of Environmental Health Website: http://rivcoeh.org/ or more specifically http://rivcoeh.org/Programs/homebased_kitchen_operations

Riverside County’s Ordinance Details (Including Inspections, operating requirements and more)

https://rivcoeh.org/Portals/0/PDF/Foods/MHKO/MHKO-Ordinance-949.pdf?ver=2019-10-11-144403-190

Food Safety Manager Certification -
https://www.rivcoeh.org/Portals/0/PDF/Foods/MHKO/DES-Food-Manager-Certification.pdf?ver=2019-10-11-152032-227

Food Handler Certification -

https://www.rivcoeh.org/OurServices/Foods/FoodHandlerCertification

Application to Operate a Food Facility -

https://www.rivcoeh.org/Portals/0/PDF/Foods/Food-Facility-Application-Registration.pdf?ver=2020-01-31-091531-757

Riverside County – flyer/international bulletin –> https://rivcoeh.org/Portals/0/PDF/Foods/MHKO/MHKO-Info-Bulletin.pdf?ver=2019-10-11-144411-567

Approved MEHKO’s in Riverside County - https://rivcoeh.org/Portals/0/PDF/Published/Micro.pdf

SAN MATEO COUNTY

STATUS: Pending

MAIN LINK: https://www.smchealth.org/micro-kitchens

As of January 1, 2019, AB 626, known as the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations Act, became law. The law authorizes San Mateo County to permit home kitchens for retail use. Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) operate as permitted mini restaurants in a resident’s home.

San Mateo County Environmental Health Services is not authorizing MEHKO permits at this time. Anyone who operates a retail home kitchen from their residence within San Mateo County’s jurisdiction is in violation of the California Retail Food Code. A Cottage Food Operation (CFO) permit is different from a MEHKO permit and does not allow a resident to conduct any MEHKO activity in the home. Violators are subject to closure and further enforcement actions.

Environmental Health Services is currently coordinating with local governing bodies of the County and its cities to determine local implementation options for AB 626. Please check back periodically as implementation and permit details are established.

For forms and detailed information for applying to be a MEHKO in San Mateo County California please follow the this link (https://www.smchealth.org/micro-kitchens) to the official Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations information page where all the forms and contact information are available.

SOLANO COUNTY

STATUS: Evaluating

MAIN LINK: http://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rm/environmental_health/consumer/food_program/microenterprise_home_kitchen_operations_(mehko).asp

“Currently, the County is evaluating whether to allow the permitting of MEHKOs countywide. If allowed, a MEHKO will be required to submit a permit application, pass an initial inspection and to maintain the permit valid. Routine annual inspections may also be required. Please contact our office for additional information at (707) 784-6765. “

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

STATUS: Pending

MAIN LINK: https://countyofsb.org/phd/ehs/cottage-food-operations.sbc

“The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to opt in to a law allowing individuals in single-family homes to legally prepare and sell certain foods to the public. The law, based on Assembly Bill 626, creates a new food facility category: microenterprise home kitchen operations (MEHKOs).”