A Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) is a type of food service that is owned and operated by the resident in a private home where food is stored, handled, and prepared to be served or delivered to customers. Food must be prepared on the day of service and can be eaten onsite or delivered to the customer. Food may also be advertised through an Internet website or a phone-based mobile app of an Internet Food Service Intermediary. Food products are not to be sold to a wholesale or retail food facility (restaurants, temporary food facilities, mobile food trucks/carts, cottage food facilities, or community events).

“Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) – Application / Standard Operating Procedures” can be downloaded or are available at the Environmental Health Department, located at:

Alameda County Health, Environmental Health Department (ACEHD)
1131 Harbor Bay Parkway
Alameda, CA 94502
 

• To begin the permitting process, submit the “Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) – Application / Standard Operating Procedures” application by mail or walk-in along with the permit fee of $696.00. The application will not be processed until payment is secured.
• Once the completed application and standard operating procedures documents are reviewed and approved by ACEHD, an initial inspection will be scheduled and conducted at the private residence to verify compliance with state law.
• A Permit to Operate may be issued after the permit fee is paid, application is approved, and an initial inspection is conducted verifying compliance.