Want to start a small food business from your home kitchen in San Mateo County? Here’s a quick guide to getting a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) permit:
- Review the Guidelines: Start by reading the official MEHKO guidelines: English Guidelines (opens in a new tab) | Spanish Guidelines (opens in a new tab) | Tagalog Guidelines (opens in a new tab) | Chinese Guidelines (opens in a new tab)
- Watch an Online Presentation You can find that here: MEHKO 101 and Food Safety Training in English (opens in a new tab) and the corresponding slides here: English slides (opens in a new tab) | Spanish Slides (opens in a new tab) | Chinese Slides (opens in a new tab)
- Submit Your Application Packet:
- MEHKO Permit Application (opens in a new tab)
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Form (opens in a new tab)
- Rental Notification Form (opens in a new tab) (If renting)
- Submit to the County and check with your city for extra requirements.
- Permit fees are waived until October 2024
- Food Safety Certification: You’ll need a food safety manager certification, and anyone else handling food will need a food handler card from an approved California provider.
Key MEHKO Rules:
- You must get a permit from San Mateo County Environmental Health.
- You are limited to one full-time employee.
- Food must be cooked and served the same day.
- MEHKOs are not allowed to serve raw oysters or sell raw milk and have other food restrictions.
- No outdoor advertising is allowed.
- The permit fee will be $1,108 per year starting November 2024.
More Resources:
- MEHKO Frequently Asked Questions (opens in a new tab)
- MEHKO Flyer (English) (opens in a new tab)
- MEHKO Flyer (Spanish) (opens in a new tab)
- MEHKO Flyer (Chinese) (opens in a new tab)
- MEHKO Flyer (Tagalog) (opens in a new tab)
- Sign up for MEHKO updates (opens in a new tab)
- Contact: <a href=”mailto:mehko@smcgov.org”>mehko@smcgov.org</a> or call (650) 372-6200.
This is a simplified guide; you should review the official documents for all details.
