MEHKO Requirements &
IFSI Disclosure

About Lore's IFSI Registration

Lore Kitchen LLC is registered as an Internet Food Service Intermediary (IFSI) with the California Department of Public Health, Food and Drug Branch (CDPH-FDB), as required under California Health and Safety Code (Cal Code) Chapter 11.6. Lore provides an online platform through which licensed Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MeHKOs) may offer food for sale to consumers in the Coachella Valley.

Lore may only list and promote MeHKO operations in jurisdictions where the local government has adopted an ordinance or resolution establishing a MEHKO food permit and inspection program consistent with Cal Code Chapter 11.6. Riverside County has adopted such a program.

MEHKO Permit Requirements

Every chef who cooks and sells food through Lore must hold a valid Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) permit issued by their local county environmental health agency. Under Cal Code Chapter 11.6, the following requirements apply:

Application & Permit

• —The operator must apply to their local county environmental health agency for a MEHKO permit.
• —The permit is issued to a specific individual at a specific residential address and is non-transferable.
• —The local agency will conduct an initial home kitchen inspection before the permit is issued.
• —The operator must submit written standard operating procedures covering food types, preparation methods, cleaning schedules, temperature control, and operating hours.
• —The permit must be displayed on-site during all food operations.

Food Safety Certification

• —The permit holder must pass an approved food safety certification examination prior to operating.
• —All additional food handlers in the household must hold a valid Food Handler Card.

Operational Rules

• —Food operations must take place only within permitted areas of the home (kitchen, dining, storage, and sanitation areas).
• —No outdoor signage or advertising is permitted at the residence.
• —The operation must comply with local noise ordinances.
• —Delivery of food, where permitted, may only be performed by the operator, a family member, or a household member with a valid driver's license.
• —A MeHKO shall not operate without a valid, current permit.

Annual Renewal

MEHKO permits must be renewed annually with the local environmental health agency. Lore will remind active chefs of this requirement. It is each chef's responsibility to maintain a current, valid permit. Lore will suspend any kitchen profile whose permit has lapsed.

Platform Fees

Lore charges a 15% platform fee on each completed order. There are no monthly fees, listing fees, or signup costs. Chefs receive 85% of every order, paid via direct deposit on a weekly basis. No other fees are charged for use of the Lore platform.

Liability Insurance

Lore Kitchen LLC does not currently carry liability insurance covering incidents arising from the sale or consumption of food listed or promoted on this platform. Lore is not required to carry such insurance under Cal Code Chapter 11.6, which requires only that this fact be clearly disclosed. Chefs and consumers participate with awareness of this disclosure.

Chefs operating as MeHKOs are encouraged to independently consult their local enforcement agency and an insurance professional regarding coverage appropriate for their operation.

Food Safety Complaints

Report to Lore

If you have a food safety concern related to a meal purchased through Lore, please contact us at support@lore.kitchen. Please include your order number, the date of purchase, a description of the concern, and any relevant photos.

Report to Local Enforcement

You may also report food safety concerns directly to the relevant authorities:

• —Riverside County Department of Environmental Health: rivcoeh.org · (951) 955-8982
• —California Department of Public Health: cdph.ca.gov · 1-800-495-3232

Lore's Compliance Obligations

As required by Cal Code Chapter 11.6, Lore will submit the name and permit number of a MeHKO to the local enforcement agency if notified by that agency of a significant food safety complaint from a verified consumer, or if Lore independently receives three or more unrelated food safety complaints about a single kitchen within any two-week period.

Platform Restrictions

Per California Retail Food Code Chapter 11.6, the following restrictions apply to all activity on the Lore platform:

• —Lore does not advertise or arrange third-party delivery services for food produced by MeHKO operators, except as specifically authorized under Cal Code Section 114367.5(2)(b).
• —Neither Lore nor any chef listing on this platform may use the word "catering" or any variation of that term in connection with a MeHKO food offering.

Questions

For questions about this disclosure or Lore's compliance with Cal Code Chapter 11.6, contact us at support@lore.kitchen.

For the full text of Cal Code Chapter 11.6, visit the official statute →