MEHKO vs. Cottage Food

California has two ways to sell food from home. The easiest way to choose: what do you want to sell?

MEHKO

Cottage Food (CFO)

Best for

Fresh meals

Shelf-stable food

Examples

Rice dishes, cooked meat, noodles, soup, lunch boxes

Cookies, bread, jam, dried fruit, candy

Made ahead?

No. Cook and serve the same day

Yes. Make it, package it, sell it later

Eat at your home?

Yes

No

Who you sell to

Customers only

Class A: customers only. Class B: also stores and restaurants

Farmers markets?

No

Yes, with a separate event permit

What you can make

Most restaurant-style food, with some limits

Only foods on the State’s approved list

County fee, first year

$673

Class A $231, Class B $526

Inspection

Yes, before you open and once a year

Class A: none unless there is a complaint. Class B: yes

You cannot hold both permits at one address.

Choose MEHKO if

• You want to cook meals: lunch, dinner, hot food.
• Your food needs a fridge or needs to stay hot to be safe.
• You want customers to pick up, eat at your home, or get delivery from you.

Choose Cottage Food if

• You mainly want to sell baked goods, jam, or other shelf-stable food.
• Your products are on the State’s approved list.
• You want to sell at farmers markets.

Do not pick the “easier” permit

Start with the food you want to make. Then pick the permit that allows it. If you are not sure which permit covers a specific food, ask the County (DEHQ) before you sell it.