📖 Free Guide

How to Start a Home Kitchen Business in California

A step-by-step guide to getting your MEHKO permit and selling food legally from your home kitchen under AB 626.

1

Check if Your County Has Opted In

Not every county in California allows MEHKOs. Your county must have passed a resolution or ordinance to opt in. Check the list below — if your county isn't there, you can advocate for it through the COOK Alliance.

💡 Tip: Only 4 cities in CA have their own health departments (Berkeley, Long Beach, Pasadena, Vernon). Everyone else goes through their county.
2

Get Your Food Handler Certification

You'll need a valid California Food Handler Card. This is a short online course (~2-3 hours) that covers food safety basics. Costs around $10-15.

💡 Tip: Some counties require the MEHKO permit holder (not just a worker) to hold this card. Get it first — it's the easiest step.
3

Self-Certify Your Kitchen

Your home kitchen must meet basic health and safety standards. Most counties require a self-certification checklist covering:

  • Clean and sanitary kitchen with hot/cold running water
  • Working refrigerator that maintains 41°F or below
  • Proper food storage away from chemicals and pets
  • Handwashing sink with soap and paper towels
  • Trash and recycling containers with lids
  • No pets in the kitchen during food prep
💡 Tip: In LA County, there's a home evaluation before you get your permit. Other counties may differ. Check your county's requirements.
4

Apply for Your MEHKO Permit

Contact your county's Environmental Health department to apply. The process and fees vary by county:

💡 Tip: In LA County, you have 3 months from application to submit all required docs. Permit fees are typically $200-$500/year depending on the county.
5

Get a Business License

You'll need a local business license from your city. This is separate from the MEHKO health permit. Most cities offer online applications — search "[your city] business license application."

💡 Tip: Some cities have home-based business exemptions with lower fees. Ask when you apply.
6

Consider Liability Insurance

While not always legally required, liability insurance protects you if a customer gets sick or injured. Many MEHKOs carry a general liability policy ($300-$500/year).

  • FLIP — popular with home food businesses
  • Hiscox — small business liability
7

Know Your Limits & Start Cooking

Once you're permitted, you can start selling! But know the rules:

  • 30 meals per day maximum
  • 90 meals per week maximum
  • $100,000/year revenue cap (adjusted for inflation)
  • All food must be prepared and served the same day
  • Dine-in, takeout, and delivery are all allowed
  • No catering, no farmers markets, no wholesale
  • Only one permit per household
💡 Tip: This is where MiComal helps — we track your daily/weekly meal counts and annual revenue so you never accidentally go over your limits.

Opted-In Counties (as of 2026)

Alameda
Amador
City of Berkeley
Contra Costa
Imperial
Lake
Los Angeles
Monterey
Riverside
San Benito
San Diego
San Mateo
Santa Barbara
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
Sierra
Solano
Sonoma

Don't see your county? The COOK Alliance can help you advocate for MEHKO adoption locally.

Ready to start your home kitchen business?

MiComal tracks your meals, revenue, and compliance so you can focus on cooking. Starting at $10/month.

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