Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO)
What Is a MEHKO?
A Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) is a type of California retail food facility that allows an eligible resident to prepare and sell food from their private home, subject to state requirements and local authorization.
A MEHKO is different from a Cottage Food Operation. CFOs focus on certain low-risk, non-potentially hazardous foods, while MEHKOs can prepare potentially hazardous foods but have different operational requirements. (California Department of Public Health)
Your MEHKO Journey
1. YOUR IDEA
We help you evaluate whether a MEHKO makes sense for your food concept, goals, and resources.
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2. MENU & BUSINESS MODEL
We help you think through your proposed menu, preparation process, production, packaging, ordering, and customer service model.
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3. DETERMINE MEHKO ELIGIBILITY & ESTABLISHMENT
Get guidance on establishing the business foundation, including business structure, financial planning, pricing, and startup costs.
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4. CHECK LOCAL AUTHORIZATION & PERMIT APPLICATION
MEHKOs are subject to local authorization and permitting. We help you identify the appropriate local environmental health agency and understand the questions you need to address.
(California Department of Public Health)
5. BUSINESS & FOOD SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Understand the food-safety training, certification, inspection, and operational considerations associated with your MEHKO.
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6. SET UP OPERATIONS
Develop a plan for operating within the MEHKO model and determining when another food-business model may make more sense.
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7. START SELLING
MEHKO Entrepreneurs We Help
Aspiring Home Chefs
You have a menu and want to turn your cooking skills into a business.
Meal-Prep Entrepreneurs
You want to prepare meals for customers from your home.
Cultural & Specialty Food Businesses
You have a unique menu or cuisine you want to bring to your community.
Existing Home-Based Food Entrepreneurs
You have outgrown your current model and are exploring whether MEHKO is the next step.
Restaurant Entrepreneurs Testing a Concept
You want to explore a smaller-scale model before making a major investment.
Before You Choose a MEHKO, Know the Rules
A MEHKO is a small-scale operation with specific limitations.
Current CDPH guidance identifies requirements including:
A local environmental health permit
An inspection
An approved food manager certification
Direct sales between the MEHKO and customer
Food prepared, cooked, and served the same day
Limits on meals produced/sold
A gross annual sales limit that is adjusted for inflation