Who Qualifies?
Not every home cook can legally sell meals in California. Here's exactly what permits exist, who can get them, and where they're available — all in one place.
Two Programs, Two Sets of Rules
California offers home cooks two distinct pathways. What you can cook — and where — depends entirely on which one you follow.
Cottage Food (Class A & B)
The California Cottage Food Act is a mandatory statewide program. Every county must offer these permits — local health departments cannot opt out. These permits cover shelf-stable, low-risk foods like baked goods, jams, candies, granola, and dry mixes.
Class A: Direct sales only — from your home, at farmers' markets, or local events. No physical kitchen inspection required to start.
Class B: Direct + indirect sales — you can also sell wholesale to coffee shops, grocery stores, and restaurants. Requires an annual kitchen inspection.
MEHKO (Microenterprise Home Kitchen)
A MEHKO is a mini-restaurant in your home. It allows the sale of full hot meals — not just shelf-stable goods. You can cook and sell complete dishes: lunch plates, dinners, soups, and more. But here's the catch: by California state law, MEHKOs are only legal in counties or cities that have explicitly opted in by passing a local ordinance.
If your county isn't on the approved list, you cannot operate a MEHKO until your local Board of Supervisors passes an ordinance. No exceptions.
Approved MEHKO Counties & Cities
These 20 California jurisdictions have approved and implemented a MEHKO program.
Includes the City of Berkeley, which operates its own health department
Contact Amador County Environmental Health at (209) 223-6439
All cities except Pasadena and Vernon. City of Long Beach runs its own program.
Applications expected to open in 2026
Operates its own health department independently from Alameda County
Authorized in 2026 — operates independently from LA County
Your county not on the list?
You cannot legally operate a MEHKO yet. You must wait for your local Board of Supervisors to pass an ordinance. This varies by county — some are actively considering it, others haven't started. In the meantime, Class A or B Cottage Food permits are available to you today.
Cottage Food: Class A vs. Class B
Unlike MEHKO, every one of California's 58 counties is required to allow these permits. Your choice depends on how you plan to sell.
Class A Permit
- Direct sales only — sell from your home, at farmers' markets, or local events
- Registration + self-certification checklist
- No physical kitchen inspection required to start
- Available in all 58 counties
Class B Permit
- Direct + indirect sales — sell to consumers and wholesale to coffee shops, grocery stores, restaurants
- Registration + application process
- Annual kitchen inspection by your county health department required
- Available in all 58 counties