“Streamlined” Guide to Starting a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) in Los Angeles County
What is a MEHKO?
A Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) is a small-scale home-based restaurant authorized in Los Angeles County (excluding Pasadena, Long Beach, and Vernon) as of May 2024. MEHKOs are allowed to serve up to 90 meals per week and 30 meals per day, with an annual gross sales cap of $100,000.
Step 1: Planning Your MEHKO
- Review Requirements
- Download and review the “How to Get Started” document and “Self-Inspection Checklist.”
- Confirm your kitchen setup and menu align with MEHKO guidelines.
- Obtain Necessary Approvals
- Rental Properties: Confirm with your landlord or lease agreement that home-based businesses are allowed.
- Food Safety Training: Obtain a Certified Food Protection Manager certificate from an accredited program.
- Local Permits: Check with your city for any additional permits, such as a business license.
- Sales Tax Registration: Contact the CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
- Alcohol: If serving alcohol, consult the CA Department of Alcohol Beverage Control.
Step 2: Application Process
- Prepare Documents
- MEHKO Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and menu.
- Public Health Permit Application.
- Certified Food Protection Manager certificate. (Google how to obtain one)
- Food Handler Cards for anyone handling food. (Google how to obtain one)
- Water test results (if using a private well) for nitrate, nitrite, and bacteriological quality.
- Submit Application
- Visit the official application form.
- Pay the $597 application review fee unless applying for a subsidy (details below).
Step 3: Inspection
- Schedule an Inspection (Wait and the Department will schedule your kitchen inspection date.)
- Ensure your home kitchen complies with all MEHKO requirements.
- Make corrections if needed and schedule follow-up inspections (additional fees may apply).
- Receive Permit
- Upon approval, your Public Health Permit will be mailed to you.
Operating a MEHKO
- Follow Approved SOP
- Notify the Home-Based Food Operations Program of any changes to your operation within 20 days.
- Maintain Compliance
- Adhere to food safety guidelines as outlined in the “A Guide to Food Safety in a Home Kitchen.”
- Track revenue (capped at $100,000 annually) and meal limits (30 meals/day, 90 meals/week).
- Be a Good Neighbor
- Minimize noise, trash, and parking disruptions.
Limited-Time Subsidy
Los Angeles County offers a subsidy waiving the $597 application review fee for up to 1,000 first-time MEHKO applicants.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Operate outside Pasadena, Long Beach, or Vernon.
- Annual net revenue is less than $50,000.
- No prior MEHKO permit or subsidy received.
Deadline: June 30, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.
Contact Information
For questions, contact the Home-Based Food Operations Program:
- Phone: (626) 430-9855
- Email: homebasedfoods@ph.lacounty.gov
- Website: LA County Environmental Health MEHKO Program
Start your MEHKO journey today and share your culinary skills with the community!
