Micro Kitchen
CookEat

A MicroKitchen allows you to legally prepare and sell a wide variety of foods, including perishable items like meals and snacks. It’s a small-scale kitchen that helps you turn your passion for cooking into extra income by sharing your unique dishes with your community. Starting a MicroKitchen (MEHKO) is an easy way to launch a food business without a big investment. At CookEat, we’ll guide you through licensing, menu creation, and connecting with local customers, so you can start selling your homemade food today!

Your Micro Kitchen - Starter Kit

For setting up a kitchen suitable for a micro kitchen operation, it's important to equip it adequately to meet health standards and efficiency needs. Here’s a starter kit list for your kitchen setup:

1. Miscellaneous:

Labels and Date Makers: For inventory management and products.
Aprons and gloves: For personal protection.

2. Refrigeration:

Refrigerator: To store perishable items at safe temperatures.
Freezer: For long-term storage of ingredients and prepared meals.

3. Cooking Appliances:

Gas or electric stove, depending on preference and utility availability.
Oven: For baking and roasting.
Microwave: For quick reheating.

4. Preparation Surfaces:

Stainless Steel Work Tables: Easy to clean and sanitize.
Cutting Boards: Consider having multiple boards to avoid cross-contamination between different food types.

5. Storage Solutions:

Shelving Units: For dry goods and equipment storage.
Ingredient Bins with Lids: To store bulk ingredients like flour, sugar, and grains.

6. Smallwares:

Pots and Pans: Various sizes for different cooking needs.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
Knives: A good set of chef's knives, bread knives, and paring knives.

7. Cleaning Supplies:

Sanitizing Solutions: Approved for food contact surfaces.
Mops and Buckets: For floor cleaning.
Dishwashing Equipment: Either a commercial dishwasher or a three-compartment sink setup for manual washing. Properly labeled and stored away from food products.

8. Safety Equipment:

Fire Extinguisher: Appropriate for kitchen fires.
First-Aid Kit: For handling minor injuries.

Setting up your kitchen with this equipment will help ensure that you are prepared to handle food safely and efficiently, meeting both health standards and customer expectations.

Q&A: MEHKO & Licenses

1. What is a MEHKO ?
A Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) is a type of home-based food business that allows residents to prepare, cook, and sell meals directly to consumers from their home kitchens. It's like running a mini-restaurant out of your own kitchen.

2. Who can operate a MEHKO?
Individuals living in Los Angeles County who wish to cook and sell food from their home can operate a MEHKO once they obtain the necessary permits from the local environmental health agency.

3. Who needs a MEHKO license?
Anyone looking to sell food cooked in their home kitchen to the public needs a MEHKO license to comply with local health department regulations.

4. How do I apply for a MEHKO license in Los Angeles County?
To apply for a MEHKO license, you must submit an application to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Operators need to submit a permit application to the local environmental health agency, obtain an inspection of their home kitchen, and complete an approved food manager certification.

5. What types of food can be sold from a MEHKO?

MEHKO operators can sell foods that are prepared, cooked, and served on the same day. Unlike cottage food operations, MEHKOs can offer a broader range of foods, including meals that might require refrigeration or more immediate consumption.

6. What are the training or certifications required?

MEHKO operators must complete an approved food manager certification to ensure they understand advanced food safety practices appropriate for their scale of operation.

7. How much does a MEHKO license cost?

The cost of a MEHKO license varies by location. In Los Angeles County, fees are associated with the application is $597, inspection, and annual renewal is $347.

8. What is the monetary potential of a MEHKO?

Operators are allowed to make up to $100,000 annually in gross sales. They are also restricted to selling no more than 30 meals per day or a total of 90 meals per week.

9. What are the health and safety requirements for a MEHKO?
MEHKO operations must comply with specific health and safety guidelines, including proper food handling, cleanliness, and storage standards. Regular inspections may be required to ensure ongoing compliance.

10. How much does it cost to start a MEHKO?

Costs include the permit application fee, which varies by county, expenses related to preparing the kitchen for inspection, and any necessary equipment or supplies to meet health standards.

11. What should be included on labels for MEHKO products?

While MEHKOs typically do not require labeling like packaged products, operators should always inform consumers about potential allergens and the ingredients used, especially during direct sales scenarios.

12. What opportunities exist for expanding a MEHKO?

Expansion can include increasing the variety of meals offered, extending operating days, or eventually transitioning to a larger food service establishment with a broader permit as business grows.

13. Is there a renewal process for MEHKO permits?

A: Yes, MEHKO permits typically need to be renewed annually, and this process might include another inspection and a renewal fee.

Resources

Food Manager Certification Details:

Name of the Certification:
- The certification is commonly referred to as a "Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)" certification.
Course Duration:
- The course typically ranges from 4 to 8 hours of instruction, which can be completed in a single day or split over several days, depending on the provider.
Course Delivery:
- Many providers offer the course online, which can be taken via platforms like Zoom. In-person options are also available throughout California - info below.
Examination:
- After completing the course, a proctored exam is required to earn the certification. Some online courses offer live online proctoring, while others may require you to visit a testing center.
Recertification:
- The certification is valid for 5 years. Recertification involves taking the course and passing the exam again.