Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO)

Prior to 2012, under the California Retail Food Code (CRFC), food sold to consumers was required to be made at an inspected commercial kitchen. When the California Homemade Food Act, known as “cottage food operations”, was enacted in 2013, certain low-risk food products that do not require refrigeration, such as bread, pie, fruit jam, and dried food, could be made in private home kitchens, and sold to consumers under limited conditions.

September 18, 2018, Governor Brown signed Assembly Bill 626 (AB 626), California Retail Food Code: Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations. This bill established a “microenterprise home kitchen operation” (MEHKO) as a new category of retail food facility and required a program to be approved by local jurisdictions prior to MEHKOs being able to operate or be permitted.

On September 19th, 2023, Monterey County Board of Supervisors voted to opt-in to the MEHKO program. The authorization shall apply to all areas within its jurisdiction, including being applicable to all cities within the county.

A standard Operating Procedure MEHKO Application and a Health Permit Application must be submitted, reviewed and approved by this department, before being allowed to operate and open to the public. Please see below for the required documents.

A MEHKO is a food facility that is operated by a resident using existing home kitchen where food is stored, handled, and prepared, and may be served to consumers on site. Any new construction or remodel for the purpose of MEHKO operations will need to be reviewed and approved by the local planning department prior to operating. Please contact your city or county Housing and Community Development (HCD) department for new construction or remodel requirements.

 The MEHKO permit will have an Initial Permit cost: $588 (2.5 hours). That includes

• Documentation processing
• Application review
• On-site Inspection

Additional Information Here  (Español)

Frequently Asked Questions Here (Español)

Please note: Applicants are responsible to check with local Housing and Community Development (HCD), landlord, or homeowners associations for additional requirements or restrictions for MEHKO operations prior to obtaining a MEHKO permit with Environmental Health.

Downloads

Health Permit Application

English | Español

Worker's Compensation Affirmation Form

English | Español

MEHKO – Standard Operating Procedure Application

English |Español

MEHKO Alcoholic Beverage Acknowledgement Form

English| Español

California Retail Food Code - Chapter 11.6. Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation

English

MEHKO VideoS