Marketing Research Paper: Research paper on Home cooking laws

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Research paper on home cooking laws
Introduction
The process of starting a food business from the comfort of one’s home is an exciting way to combine a career with an individual’s hobby. Food business from home, just like any other business, requires research and a lot of planning before it is established. First and foremost, one needs to identify their niche, which involves understanding the market and the food options available. When one identifies their market niche, the preparation of a business plan is necessary. It provides a vague idea allowing one to make a concrete plan for accomplishing the set goals. The most critical element in starting a home food business is understanding the permits and licenses as per the local zoning rules. One needs to identify that running a business from the comfort of their home is legal, and the particular standards are met. Therefore, the essay will focus on the new MEHKO law in California, the cottage food operations licenses, and the differences between MEHKO and cottage laws regarding home food businesses.
An Overview of MEHKO
MEHKO (Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation) is a California assembly bill no. 626, which was signed into law back in September 2018. MEHKO has established a legal retail food facility that allows individuals to operate a home restaurant from their private residence (Schwalb 100). However, it is vital to identify that with MEHKO, particular limits and restrictions are identified, including how much retailers can sell and deliver. Essentially, working as a MEHKO requires one to get their kitchen approved, adhere to the area health code, and register with their local health agency. Ideally, there have been scenarios of individuals working with an IFSI (Internet Food Service Intermediary), an entity responsible for advertisements of the foods being sold. IFSI uses mobile platforms via the web to identify individuals and sites where one can sell their food.
MEHKO requires one to obtain a permit, and as per January 2019, the newly identified law allows the county or city to authorize the MEHKOs located in their jurisdiction. A business person must contact their local environmental health department, which gives them more information on the application for a permit. Two counties in California accept MEHKO applications and issue permits: Riverside and Solano counties. The general requirements for the application for a license are;
* the submission of an application to the local health agency
* inspection of the MEHKO
* completion of a food manager courses and certification
* direct sales between customers and MEHKOs
* the food needs to be prepared, cooked, and sold on the same day,
* the number of meals sold in a day should not exceed 30 and at least 60 in a week.
The food management certification highlighted should be from an accredited firm, and the course is rated at about $50-$90 and is conducted for 8 hours. Once an individual acquires the certification, it is valid for five years, and if an individual already has a handler’s card, it is automatically upgraded to a food manager’s card. Additionally, any individual who is expected to be involved in preparing and handling the food is required to have a ‘food handler card.’ A MEHKO is only allowed to sell foods that have been approved by the health jurisdiction in California. If an owner wants to include other products, they must get approval from the boards governing the sale of the particular products. Social security numbers or proof of citizenship are not necessary for applying for a MEHKO, but inspections are compulsory.
MEHKOs also require that their gross annual sales should not exceed $50,000. The bill does not restrict homes with pets, but there is a clause indicating that the animals are not allowed into the kitchen or storage area. However, it is essential to highlight that as much as MEHKO is a California law, individual counties have been granted the power to decide whether they should or should not allow it. Additionally, it is essential to highlight that the COOK Alliance is the coalition responsible for advocating for home cooking since 2014. The alliance has legalized home cooking and has been responsible for passing the California laws supporting MEHKO, allowing thousands of individuals to make money via selling food from home. Ideally, a MEHKO does not in any way include a cottage food operation or a catering operation as defined in H&SC Section 113758 and the California Health and Safety Code, respectively.
However, it is essential to highlight that as much as MEHKO is a good initiative, several perks might be problematic for the future. These problems can affect both the customers and individuals cooking food from their homes and favor the ‘tax man’ and tech firms. As highlighted, one ...