Los Angeles County opened applications for sale of prepared food in homes.
with the program Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO)county residents have the opportunity to power a food establishment from their homes and other private cooking spaces.
According to information from the Los Angeles County Department of Health, Permits are expected to be delivered starting November 1.
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After receiving permission, beneficiary residents will be able to store, handle, prepare and serve food in their own homesas permitted by the California Health and Safety Code.
“The MEHKOs represent an important economic means for the county’s enterprising residentsespecially women, immigrants and communities of color, to create new opportunities in the formal economy,” said Supervisor Hilda L. Solís.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance establishing the MEHKO program in May.
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The measure requires that business operators pay an application fee of $597, along with an annual health permit fee of $347which covers the costs of annual inspections and compliance measures.
Furthermore, the ordinance also establishes a limit of $100,000 for annual saleswith a limit of 30 meals a day or 90 meals a week.
Supervisors also approved a $600,000 grant program that will be offered to up to 1,000 eligible applicants. for a one-time 100% grant on the initial application fee of $597.
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Eligibility will be limited to new MEHKO applicants with annual net income less than $50,000.
A MEHKO can also be approved to serve as a commissary for up to two food cartsor Compact Mobile Food Operations.
In these cases, kitchens will be limited to 80 meals per day and no more than 200 meals per week. The annual gross sales of a MEHKO operating as a commissary They must be up to $150,000 dollars annually.
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This ordinance is effective for businesses throughout Los Angeles County, except those of Long Beach, Pasadena and Vernoncities that are overseen by their respective public health departments.
“Our Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations ordinance allows Los Angeles County to align with the state in creating a path for unregulated chefs to obtain permits and builds on our efforts to provide guardrails that protect residents and customers. physical businesses, at the same time Help thousands of street vendors and home cooks benefit from our local economy“said Supervisor Holly Mitchell.
The Environmental Health Division, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, will authorize permits and carry out annual inspections and complaint-based investigations.
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“Through the growth of MEHKO we strive to empower food business owners with the skills and tools necessary to increase knowledge of food safety practices when serving the public“said the director of the Department of Public Health, Bárbara Ferrer, in a statement.
To learn more about this program and apply, you can consult this link.
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