Health & Human services

BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

MICROENTERPRISE HOME KITCHEN OPERATION (MEHKO) 

A Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) allows eligible residents to prepare and sell meals directly to consumers from their private home kitchen. 

The Long Beach Bureau of Environmental Health administers the MEHKO Program to help home-based food businesses operate safely and in compliance with California law.

New to MEHKO? Start here with these resources. 

How to Apply for a MEHKO

Food Safety and Compliance

Inspection Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions (Coming Soon)

Apply for Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) Here

What is MEHKO? 

A MEHKO is a small-scale, home-based food business authorized under California law through Assembly Bill 626 (AB 626) and regulated under the California Retail Food Code.

MEHKOs require approval and a Public Health Permit from the Long Beach Bureau of Environmental Health before operating.

The MEHKO ordinance was introduced and advanced by the City Council on April 14, 2026, allowing Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations to operate in Long Beach.

More About MEHKO

• Program Purpose

  The MEHKO Program helps:

  • Support small food and home-based cooking businesses
  • Provide a legal pathway to sell home-cooked meals
  • Increase access to local and culturally diverse foods
  • Protect public health through food safety and consumer protection

• Before You Operate

  Before operating a MEHKO, you must have:

  • A Public Health Permit from the Long Beach Bureau of Environmental Health
  • A Long Beach Business License
  • Required food safety certifications
  • A home kitchen inspection

• How the Process Works

  How the Process Works

  • Check your eligibility
  • Get required food safety certifications
  • Submit your MEHKO application
  • Complete your home kitchen inspection
  • Receive your Public Health Permit
  • Start your approved home kitchen business

• Key Operating Limits

  Requirement	Limit
  Meals per day	Up to 30 meals
  Meals per week	Up to 90 meals
  Annual Gross Sales	Up to $100,000 (adjusted annually for inflation)
  Employees	1 full-time equivalent employee (family members not included)
  Food Preperation	Food must be prepared, cooked, and served the same day

Need Help?

The Bureau of Environmental Health is here to help you understand the MEHKO process. 

Contact us at environmentalhealth@longbeach.gov or call us at 562-570-4132 if you have questions about eligibility, applications, inspections or food safety requirements.