Home Kitchen FAQ for Customers

Short answers. Each one links to the article with the full story.

The basics

What is a home kitchen?

A small food business run by a San Diego County resident from their own kitchen, with a County health permit. The official name is MEHKO. (What Is a Home Kitchen?)

Is it legal?

Yes. San Diego County has run a permanent program since January 5, 2024. A cook must complete the permit process, including an inspection, before selling. (Are Home Kitchens Legal and Permitted?)

Is it inspected?

Yes. Once before the permit is issued, once a year after that, and whenever there is a complaint or a report of illness. (Are Home Kitchens Inspected? How to Check)

How is this different from buying cookies or jam from a neighbor?

That is usually cottage food — shelf-stable items under separate rules. A home kitchen can cook and serve full meals. (What Is a Home Kitchen?)

Is home-kitchen food cheaper or healthier?

Not necessarily. It varies by cook and dish. (Why Buy From a Home Cook?)

Ordering

How do I order?

Directly with the cook — online, by phone or text, or in person, whichever the listing says. You pay the cook. My Home Kitchens does not take the order or the payment. (How Does Buying From a Home Kitchen Work?)

Can I pick up?

Yes, if the cook offers pickup — most do. You get the street address when you place a pickup order. (Pickup, Delivery and Dining: How It Works)

Can I eat at the cook’s home?

Only if that cook offers it. Not all do. (Pickup, Delivery and Dining: How It Works)

Can I get it delivered?

Only if the cook delivers it themselves or through their own employee. Delivery apps are not allowed, except for customers with a physical or mental condition that prevents pickup. (Pickup, Delivery and Dining: How It Works)

Can I ask for a substitution?

Ask. The menu is County-approved, so not every change is possible. The cook decides. (What Should I Expect When Ordering?)

Can I bring wine?

No, unless the cook holds a state alcohol (ABC) license. (Pickup, Delivery and Dining: How It Works)

Why did it sell out?

By law a home kitchen makes no more than 30 meals a day and 90 a week, and everything is cooked the same day. Order ahead. (What Is a Home Kitchen?)

Safety and trust

How do I check a kitchen myself?

Look it up on the County’s SD Food Info site for the latest inspection. It does not show permit status; for that, call DEHQ at (858) 505-6900. (Are Home Kitchens Inspected? How to Check)

Who is cooking?

The permit holder passed a Food Safety Manager exam. Anyone else handling food holds a Food Handler card. (Food Safety: What Customers Should Know)

I have a food allergy. What should I do?

Ask the cook directly about ingredients and shared equipment before you order. No home kitchen can be certified allergy-safe. (Allergies and Dietary Needs: What to Ask)

Something went wrong. Who do I contact?

About the meal: the cook. About a food-safety problem or suspected illness: the County’s Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ): (858) 505-6900 or fhdutyeh@sdcounty.ca.gov. (Food Safety: What Customers Should Know)

Finding one

How do I find a home kitchen near me?

Search the My Home Kitchens directory by city, ZIP, cuisine, or dish. Listings show city and ZIP only. (How to Find a Home Kitchen Near You)

The listing does not answer my question.

Ask the cook about menu, ingredients, schedule, or service. Ask DEHQ about permits and rules.

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