Sonoma County, CA Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- MEHKO operators and staff only
- Requirement
- Food Handler Certification, § 14-3-070(e)(18)
- Operator also needs
- Food safety manager certification
- First violation penalty
- $100 administrative citation
- Enforced by
- Sonoma County Environmental Health
Summary
Anyone involved with a microenterprise home kitchen operation in unincorporated Sonoma County must obtain a Food Handler Certification under the county's MEHKO ordinance, on top of the operator's separate food safety manager certification.
(17)The MEHKO Operator shall successfully pass an approved and accredited food safety manager certification examination.(18)Any person(s) involved with the MEHKO shall obtain a Food Handler Certification.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Sonoma County Code § 14-3-070(e)(18) requires that any person involved with a microenterprise home kitchen operation (MEHKO), the state-authorized permit letting a resident cook and sell meals from a private home kitchen, obtain a Food Handler Certification. The MEHKO operator must separately pass an accredited food safety manager certification exam under subsection (e)(17). Environmental Health enforces both as conditions of the MEHKO permit issued under this section; this requirement applies only to MEHKOs, not to conventional restaurants, whose employees follow the statewide food handler card law instead.
Violations & Fines
Operating a MEHKO with uncertified staff violates the permit conditions; the health officer issues administrative citations up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a repeat within one year, and $500 after that, plus permit suspension or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to restaurant employees in Sonoma County?
What's the difference between the Food Handler Certification and the food safety manager exam?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sonoma County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sonoma County to another location·View the California public health rules overview
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