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Legal

Internet Food Service Intermediary (IFSI) Compliance

Hearth is a registered Internet Food Service Intermediary under California law. This page explains our MEHKO platform duties, fees, and how to report food safety concerns.

Effective June 13, 2026 · Version 2026-06-19

1. What is an IFSI?

Hearthmade operates Hearth as an Internet Food Service Intermediary (IFSI) under California Health and Safety Code Section 114367.6. An IFSI provides a platform through which Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs) may offer food for sale.

This page summarizes how Hearth meets California's general IFSI requirements. It is not legal advice.

2. MEHKO permitting requirements

Before a MEHKO appears on Hearth, the operator must hold a valid MEHKO permit from their local enforcement agency (county environmental health).

Verified MEHKO listings on Hearth display:

  • "Made in a Home Kitchen"
  • The operator's county permit number
  • The enforcing county name
  • A consumer advisory when the operator serves raw or undercooked animal products

MEHKO adoption is county-by-county in California. Operators must follow the rules for the county that issued their permit.

3. Platform and delivery fees

Hearth charges service fees at checkout. The basket and checkout screens show item subtotals, any applicable sales tax pass-through, and the total you pay before Stripe payment.

MEHKO operators on Hearth may offer local pickup or their own delivery. Third-party delivery apps (DoorDash, Uber Eats, and similar) are not permitted for MEHKO sales on Hearth.

If platform fees change by more than 2%, MEHKO operators will receive written notice at least one month before the change takes effect.

4. Liability insurance

Hearthmade maintains general liability insurance covering platform operations. MEHKO operators remain solely responsible for food preparation, labeling, and handoff.

We strongly recommend that all food sellers carry appropriate home-business and product liability coverage. Proof of operator insurance may become a trust signal in the app over time.

5. Food safety complaints

If you have a food safety or hygiene concern about a MEHKO order placed through Hearth:

  • Contact us at hello@hearthmade.app with your order date, the studio name, and what happened.
  • Contact the local enforcement agency for the county that issued the operator's permit. In San Diego County, start with the Department of Environmental Health.

Hearth may report an operator's name and permit number to the local enforcement agency when required by California law, including after repeated unrelated food safety complaints from verified purchasers.

6. CDPH registration

Hearthmade registers Hearth with the California Department of Public Health Food and Drug Branch as an Internet Food Service Intermediary.

For official state guidance, see the CDPH IFSI requirements page and California Retail Food Code Chapter 11.6.

7. Contact

Questions about this page: hello@hearthmade.app

Platform home: https://hearthmade.app