Looking for a way to earn money by selling food from your home? A Microenterprise Home Kitchen Permit may be what you are looking for. As of January 1, 2019 chefs can legally make and sell select amounts of food for the public in their home.
Riverside County was the first to implement this program and allow the operation of Microenterprise Home Kitchens. Take a look at Riverside County’s Ordinance regarding Microenterprise Home Kitchens here.
Informational Videos to Help Start Your MHKO
MHKO and CFO Operations
Home-Based Kitchen Food Safety
Operaciones de Cocinas Caseras de Microempresa
Practicas de Seguridad de Comida en Cocinas de Casa
What is a MHKO?
A Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MHKO) is a food facility that is operated by the resident of a private home. Food can be stored, prepared, and served to customers at the MHKO. Food has to be made, cooked, and served on the same day, with no more than 30 meals per day, or a total of 90 meals per week. For more information on operational requirements take a look at the MHKO informational bulletin English | Spanish.
How to Start a MHKO:
- Submit your Standard Operating Procedures (English / Spanish) and menu to your local area office.
- Obtain a Food Safety Manager Certification for the MHKO owner, and a Riverside County Food Handler Certification for all other people involved in the MHKO.
- Submit an Application/Registration to Operate a Food Facility.
- Schedule an inspection of your home kitchen operation. Click here to learn more about the home kitchen inspection.
- For more information click here for our "Starting a Home-Based Kitchen Operation" booklet.
MHKOs on a Well
MHKOs that use water from a private well need to have the water tested by a State Certified Laboratory on a regular basis.
Application Review Time
Once a completed MHKO application packet is received, it may require up to 20 business days for Department of Environmental Health Review.
MHKO Inspection Requirement
- Home inspection required after application review. (How to Prepare for your Home Kitchen Inspection)
Food Facility Quick Links
Cal Code
Food Handler Certification
Food Safety Guidance Documents to Keep you Safe
Procedures in the Event of a Disaster or Emergency: |
Food Safety During Rolling Blackouts
Juicing Regulations & Requirements
Rapid Cooling: |
Handwashing:
In-Place Sanitization:
Thermometers: |
Major Food Allergens: |
Cockroach Control:
Ice, the Forgotten Food: |
Vertical Broilers: |
Closure for Cockroach Infestation: |
Culinary Gardens: |
Open-Air BBQ’s, Smokers and Wood-burning Ovens: |
Foodborne Illness
Common Food Poisonings: |
E. Coli and Ground Beef:
Food Worker Illness Flowchart:
Norovirus:
Hepatitis A: |
Salmonella and Eggs: |