L.A. County Home Cooks Can Now Get Permits to Sell Food to the Public
October 07, 2024 | Source: KTLA5 | by Travis Schlepp
Los Angeles County is kickstarting a new permit program for home cooks with an entrepreneurial spirit 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 food business program will 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.
Officials described the facilities as “similar to a mini restaurant,” which will still have to follow local and state laws. California has been easing regulations for these home kitchen businesses over the past several years and an L.A. County ordinance was approved in April.
The permits will be authorized by the Health Department’s Environmental Health Division, which will conduct annual inspections and investigate complaints.
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, L.A. County Public Health director, said home kitchen businesses can provide economic opportunities for those looking to share their food with the public and the permit program will ensure local health standards are met.
“By supporting and nurturing small-scale food businesses, we create pathways for innovation and collaboration,” Ferrer said. “Through the growth of MEHKOs, we strive to empower food business owners with the skill and tools necessary to increase the knowledge of food safety practices when serving the public.”
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 will also need to be prepared, cooked and served or delivered on the same day it’s made.