101.1 The purpose of these regulations is to:

1. (a) Regulate microenterprise home kitchen businesses operating in the District of Columbia;
2. (b) Identify the food items that are approved for sale by microenterprise home kitchen businesses;
3. (c) Identify food items and specialized food processes that are prohibited in microenterprise home kitchen businesses;
4. (d) Ensure microenterprise home kitchen businesses comply with packaging, storage, labeling, and sale requirements; and
5. (e) Authorize the Department to conduct inspections as specified in §§ 103 and 200.

101.2 Microenterprise home kitchen food products may only be sold from sidewalk vending carts with designs approved by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), in consultation with the Department, in accordance with Section 7b(b)(1) of the Vending Regulation Act of 2009, effective July 1, 2023 (D.C. Law 25-21; D.C. Official Code § 37-131.06b(b)(1)).

101.3 Pursuant to Section 4936 of the Department of Health Functions Clarification Act of 2001, effective July 1, 2023 (D.C. Law 25-21; D.C. Official Code § 7-742.12) these regulations shall not:

1. (a) Apply to “food establishments” as defined in Title 25-A DCMR 9901.1; or
2. (b) Exempt a microenterprise home kitchen business from any applicable District or federal tax laws.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 72 DCR 011556 (October 17, 2025).