L.A. County Home Cooks Can Now Get Permits To Sell Food To The Public

Los Angeles County is kickstarting a program for home cooks who have an entrepreneurial spirit to own a permit and who are interested in operating a miniature restaurant out of their homes.

The County Department of Public Health announced the new Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) Program, which began accepting applications Monday.

The at-home business program is set to allow residents to operate a food facility out of their private kitchens, allowing them to store, handle, prepare and serve food to the public if appropriately permitted, according to a KTLA article .

The ‘mini restaurant’ is set to follow local and state laws. California has been easing regulations for these home kitchen businesses over the past several years, and L.A. County ordinance was approved in April.

The permits are set to be authorized by the Health Department’s Environmental Health Division, which is set to conduct annual inspections and investigate complaints.

Home kitchen businesses can provide economic opportunities for those looking to share their food with the public. The permit program will ensure local health standards are met, according to Dr. Barbara Ferrer, L.A. County Public Health Director.

Those wishing to start a permitted home restaurant must not have more than one full-time employee other than family or household members, and every person involved in the operation must obtain food safety certification from the State of California.

Food is also set to need to be prepared, cooked and served or delivered on the same day it’s made.

The businesses can serve no more than 30 meals per day or 90 meals per week, with an annual revenue not to exceed $100,000 per year.

Operators can’t resell food to other facilities and can’t use third-party delivery apps like DoorDash or UberEats.

Alcohol can’t be part of the service without appropriate licensing from the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control.

Operators are also prohibited from using the home kitchen businesses as a catering service, according to officials.

MEHKO permitting begins on Nov. 1. A launch event for those wanting more information or a headstart on the process is taking place on Oct. 26, at the Department of Public Health Environmental Health building at 5050 Commerce Dr. in Baldwin Park.

For contact information regarding the MEHKO process, as well as important documents and requirements, click here .

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .