What California's MEHKO framework means for home cooks
Homio Editorial · May 12, 2026 · 5 min read
A Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation, or MEHKO, is a type of food facility operated by a resident from a private home under California law.
MEHKOs are not automatically available everywhere in California. A local city or county must authorize them before its environmental health agency can issue a permit.
California's Department of Public Health lists general MEHKO requirements, including a local permit application, an inspection, and approved food manager certification. Local agencies provide the current process and requirements for their jurisdiction.
Other home-food business types, such as Cottage Food Operations, have different rules and are not interchangeable with MEHKOs.
Before applying to sell food, contact your local environmental health agency. It is the authoritative source for whether MEHKOs are authorized where you live and what you must complete.