What is MEHKO certification?
Home kitchen permitMEHKO stands for Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation. It’s a California program that can allow a home cook to prepare and sell meals from their primary residence. They must obtain a permit issued by the local city or county.
Availability and exact rules vary by jurisdiction. CDPH notes that cities and counties have discretion to authorize MEHKOs, and you should verify with your local environmental health agency before applying.
These are the safety basics that make a home kitchen restaurant-ready.
- Time & temperature control: keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot; cool and reheat safely.
- Prevent cross-contamination: separate raw and ready-to-eat foods; sanitize between tasks.
- Allergen control: label common allergens clearly; avoid cross-contact; keep ingredient lists handy.
- Handwashing + illness policy: don’t cook when sick; maintain strict handwashing habits.
- Cleaning & sanitizing schedule: food-contact surfaces, utensils, towels/sponges, and storage.
- Safe sourcing + storage: maintain FIFO rotation; store chemicals away from food.
- Traceability: keep simple logs of ingredients and batches so issues can be traced quickly.
- Food safety training: Food Safety Manager certification and food handler cards.
- Home kitchen evaluation/inspection.
Based on the MEHKO community list (as of Aug 2025), these jurisdictions have authorized MEHKO programs. Always confirm with your local environmental health agency for the most current status.
Some cities operate their own environmental health departments even within a county program. For example, Los Angeles County notes that Pasadena, Long Beach, and Vernon are excluded from the LA County program.