California

Hi! I’m working on starting a CFO selling sea vegetable snacks and tea/spice blends in California and have a few questions for David & this group:

1. While vegetables (in dried & dehydrated forms, which is what I’ll mostly be making) are on the approved food list, sea vegetables specifically is not. Does anyone have advice on whether I should try applying for my CFO license leaning into the ‘vegetable’ part or should I call the Health Department to confirm that ‘sea vegetables’ count as veggies before applying?

2. If I decide to go for it without calling the Health Dept. first and my application is rejected, do I get any of my application fee back?

3. And lastly, a process question. Vegetable chips are listed as an approved food item under the Dried heading, but I haven’t ever had a veggie chip other than kale chips that weren’t baked or fried. How much of a stickler are the CFO team about baking vs. dehydrating if the final product is shelf stable? OR is anyone who has a CFO license making baked veggie chips that you know of?

Thank you!