What defines ready-to-eat foods?

Ready-to-eat foods are defined as items that can be consumed without any further preparation or cooking. This includes foods that are safe to eat as they are, such as salads, deli meats, cooked and cooled foods, and certain fruits and vegetables. The significant aspect of ready-to-eat foods is that they do not require any additional handling that could introduce contaminants or require further cooking to ensure safety.

By contrast, options that mention the necessity of cooking or heating before consumption describe foods that are not ready-to-eat, as these require additional steps to ensure they are safe to eat. The defining characteristic of being ready-to-eat is focused on convenience and safety, underscoring the importance of proper handling, sanitation, and awareness of foodborne illness risks even though no further preparation is needed.