What are ready-to-eat foods?

Ready-to-eat foods are those that can be consumed without any further cooking or preparation. This category includes items like fresh fruits, salads, deli meats, and other prepared foods that are safe to eat as they are. The defining characteristic of ready-to-eat foods is that they are usually cooked or processed in a way that eliminates harmful pathogens or does not require additional cooking to ensure food safety.

Foods that need heavy cooking before consumption or those that are only safe when fully cooked do not fit this definition because they require further preparation to ensure they are safe to eat. Similarly, frozen foods that require thawing must also often undergo additional cooking or preparation before being considered ready to eat. The safety and convenience of ready-to-eat foods make them a popular choice for quick meals, but it is essential that they are handled properly to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.