MEHKO Long Beach 2026: Requirements, Rules, and How to Apply
Long Beach runs its own Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation program. Here is what you need to apply, the limits the program sets, and the state rules every MEHKO has to follow.
What a Long Beach MEHKO Lets You Do
California's AB 626 created the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO), a legal way to cook hot, made-to-order meals in your home kitchen and sell them directly to the public. Long Beach has adopted its own MEHKO program, so home cooks in the city have a legal path to sell cooked food, not just shelf-stable cottage foods.
Under the program you can make up to 30 meals a day and 90 a week, with gross annual sales up to $110,442 for 2026. Food must be prepared, cooked, and served the same day.
About the LA County waiver: the county's $597 fee waiver (through June 30, 2026) did not apply in Long Beach, because Long Beach runs its own program and sets its own fees. Cooking elsewhere in LA County? See the LA County MEHKO guide.
What Long Beach Requires
From the city's MEHKO page.
- A Public Health Permit from the Long Beach Bureau of Environmental Health
- A Long Beach Business License
- The required food safety certifications
- A home kitchen inspection
State Rules Every MEHKO Follows
From the California Health and Safety Code.
Same-day food
Food must be prepared, cooked, and served on the same day.
Health and Safety Code 113825Food safety certification
The operator must pass an approved, accredited food safety certification exam (a food protection manager certification). Anyone else who helps prepare, store, or serve the food needs a food handler card.
Health and Safety Code 114367.1Delivery
Only you, an employee, or a family or household member may deliver. Third-party delivery services such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, or Postmates are not allowed. The one exception is delivery to a customer whose disability limits their access to food, which comes with record-keeping and notice rules.
Health and Safety Code 114367.5Direct to customers only
Sell directly to the people eating the food, not to stores, restaurants, or wholesalers. Catering is not covered by a MEHKO permit.
Health and Safety Code 113825How to Get Your Long Beach MEHKO Permit
Confirm you can operate in Long Beach
You must live in the home you cook in. Long Beach runs its own program through the city Environmental Health Bureau, separate from LA County, so the county program and its fee waiver do not apply here.
Get your food safety certifications
The operator needs an accredited food safety certification (food protection manager), and anyone helping with food needs a food handler card.
Apply for the permit and business license
Apply for the Public Health Permit and a Long Beach Business License through the city. The city sets its own fees, so check its MEHKO page for current amounts.
Pass the home kitchen inspection
The city inspects your home kitchen before issuing the permit.
Apply through the City of Long Beach Department of Health & Human Services, Environmental Health Bureau. Chefry is an independent company and is not affiliated with the City of Long Beach. Always confirm current fees and eligibility on the city's official MEHKO page before applying.
MEHKO Long Beach, Frequently Asked Questions
Does Long Beach have a MEHKO program?
Yes. Long Beach adopted its own Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation program, run by the city Environmental Health Bureau. Because Long Beach has its own health department, its program is separate from the Los Angeles County program. The city’s MEHKO page links to the application.
Does the LA County $597 MEHKO fee waiver apply in Long Beach?
No. The LA County fee waiver (it ended June 30, 2026) excluded Long Beach, Pasadena, and Vernon because those cities run their own programs. Long Beach sets its own fees, so confirm current amounts on the city’s MEHKO page.
What can I sell with a Long Beach MEHKO permit?
Cooked, ready-to-eat meals prepared, cooked, and served the same day. You can make up to 30 meals a day and 90 a week, with gross annual sales up to $110,442 for 2026. Sales must go directly to your customers, and catering is not covered.
What do I need to apply?
A Public Health Permit from the Long Beach Bureau of Environmental Health, a Long Beach Business License, the required food safety certifications, and a home kitchen inspection. Check the city’s MEHKO page for the full checklist and fees.
Can I use Uber Eats or DoorDash to deliver?
No. State law says food from a MEHKO can’t be delivered by a third-party delivery service. You, an employee, or a family or household member can deliver. The only exception is delivery to a customer whose disability limits their access to food, and it comes with record-keeping and notice rules.
Official Sources
- City of Long Beach: Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation
- Health and Safety Code 113825: what a MEHKO is and its limits
- Health and Safety Code 114367.1: operator certification
- Health and Safety Code 114367.5: delivery
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so check with the Long Beach Environmental Health Bureau for your situation.