An internet food service intermediary (IFSI) is an entity that facilitates the sale of home cooked meals offered by microenterprise home kitchen operations (MEHKO) through a web and or mobile platform. Internet food service intermediary (IFSI) can generate revenues through advertisements, collecting fees and or other means. FSIs have responsibilities and must register with the California Department of Public Health.
Internet Food Service Intermediaries (IFSI) Requirements and Responsibilities
The general requirements for Internet Food Service Intermediaries under the California Retail Food Code (CRFC) Chapter 11.6 include:
- Inform of Requirements
- Inform microenterprise home kitchen operations utilizing the IFSI website or mobile application of all requirements.
- Post Complaint Reporting Info
- Conspicuously post how a consumer can report to the IFSI a food safety complaint.
- Report Complaints
- Submit the name and permit number of a microenterprise home kitchen operation to the local enforcement agency if it receives three or more unrelated
individual food safety-related complaints.
- Submit the name and permit number of a microenterprise home kitchen operation to the local enforcement agency if it receives three or more unrelated
- State Fees
- Clearly state fees associated with the amount being charged for the services on its Internet website or mobile application.
- Post Liability Insurance Information
- Conspicuously post liability insurance information on its Internet website or mobile application.
- Permit Number Field
- Provide a dedicated location for a MEHKO to post their permit number.
- Obtain Consent from Mehko
- Obtain consent from the microenterprise home kitchen operation to make the disclosures to government entities
Internet Food Service Intermediaries (IFSI) Registration
IFSIs must obtain a registration for the California Department of Public Health. Internet food service intermediary’s registration applications applications will start being accepted on January 1, 2019. Mail completed registration
applications to:
California Department of Public Health
Food and Drug Branch – Retail Food Program
P.O. Box 997435, MS 7602
Sacramento, CA 95899-7435
List of Internet Food Service Intermediaries (IFSI)
Please click here for a partial list of Internet Food Service Intermediaries (IFSI)
More Information
INTERNET FOOD SERVICE INTERMEDIARY REGISTRATION APPLICATION
General requirements for Internet Food Service Intermediaries
Hello Avan, Just found out about MEHKO.org. This is great what you are doing.
When you do get around to create the List of Internet Food Service Intermediaries (IFSI) can you please include us? http://www.athomegrub.com. We are a fee free platform and located in Riverside County.
Hey Keith,
Will do! Thanks.
We are a registered CA – IFSI. Would it be possible to add our name to the list. We applied and were accepted January 23, 2020. Brenda Faw @ cdph.ca.gov was our contact person.
We are currently registered as a vendor in Riverside County and Los Angeles County.
I have added your IFSI