homemade meals. Compare 3 types of licenses_1

Choosing the right Cottage Food Operator (CFO) license is essential for those looking to sell home-cooked meals legally. In California, since the introduction of CFO licenses A and B in 2013, residents have gained a legitimate pathway to produce and sell food from their kitchens. The state took another step in 2019 by allowing Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO), which provides legal sales opportunities for fresh items like meat and savory dishes. The approval process for these three food licenses is delegated to individual county health departments.

In Santa Clara County, the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has a long-standing history with the A and B CFO licenses, making them the most applied-for home food licenses. In 2023 alone, 231 applications were approved for these licenses, while the MEHKO program, which opened in April of the same year, only saw 57 applications.

During interviews with existing CFO license holders, it became clear that there isn’t much interest in switching to the MEHKO license. Most current CFO operators sell low-risk items, such as baked goods that don’t involve fresh meat or dairy. Transitioning to a micro kitchen would mean altering their established sales channels and daily production numbers, which many are reluctant to do.

The MEHKO program is more focused on the preparation and sale of full meals, now allowing the use of previously restricted ingredients such as meat, eggs, and vegetables. Additionally, the management of cooking methods is less stringent, even permitting customers to enjoy their meals on-site at the home kitchen.

Initially, when the micro kitchen program was launched, sales were capped at $58,275 per year. This limit, seen in DEH slides, was later increased to $100,000 on the official website. One CFO operator who had applied for a Type A license expressed hesitance about switching to MEHKO since the initial sales cap of $58,275 was lower than their current allowance.

Although the MEHKO license comes with certain restrictions—like limiting daily sales to no more than 30 meals—the potential for offering a combination of appetizers, main courses, and desserts allows for the sale of a variety of products in a single meal.

California’s legislation regarding CFO and MEHKO licenses is subject to modifications by county health departments. This means that food permit regulations can vary significantly across counties and even change from year to year. For accurate and detailed application information and qualifications, individuals are encouraged to reach out directly to their local health department.