In 2019, California passed AB626 which recognizes Micro Enterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs) as a new type of food facility. Counties, and some cities, throughout California may opt in to participate in this law and in so doing set up their own permitting requirements.
California Department of Public Health requirements for the permitting of a MEHKO are here. Each county and city that opts into AB626 has their own requirements for obtaining a permit as well. The Cook Alliance, a nonprofit organization devoted to helping legalize home cooking also offers a wealth of information on MEHKOs. Shef supports small businesses grow and scale as a MEHKO. We provide MEHKO shefs “back end” support, such as a payment system and marketing, so they can focus on cooking great food for their customers.They decide what to charge customers and we add an additional 9.25% on top of their price, which is paid by the customers.
It is important to remember that MEHKO shefs are their own businesses and responsible for obtaining all licenses and permits necessary to run their businesses. Like any business, MEHKO shefs are responsible for obtaining some form of general liability insurance to protect themselves and their assets. Shef does not provide insurance to anyone selling food on its platform and its insurance policy will not respond on behalf of shefs (food sellers). And while we can’t recommend a specific insurance provider, there are many insurers willing to offer insurance to small businesses. MEHKO shefs can check with their insurance agent or a provider such as State Farm, CoverWallet, Next, Hiscox, or Progressive.
If you are a MEHKO shef, by participating on the Shef platform, you are agreeing that we have the right to provide your name, email and phone number to customers who order your food so they may pickup their order from your home. This is more fully described in our Privacy Policy. In addition, you are required to list your MEHKO permit number on your listing on Shef and to update the permit number annually.
If you are a MEHKO shef, and we receive 3 or more complaints from customers about your food in a calendar year (January through December), we are required to submit your name and MEHKO permit number to the agency that issues the permit. Similarly, if an enforcement agency notifies us of a significant food safety related complaint from a verified customer, we are required by law to provide the agency with a list of all customers who purchased food from you on the same day as the relevant complaint. Pursuant to our Privacy Policy, you acknowledge and agree that we have the right to disclose this information.