What is NOT considered a ready-to-eat food?

Frozen vegetables are not considered a ready-to-eat food because they require cooking or heating before consumption. These vegetables are typically meant to be thawed and prepared according to cooking instructions to ensure they are safe and palatable. In contrast, fruit salads, pre-packaged deli meats, and cheese cubes are prepared and can be consumed directly without any further cooking or preparation, making them ready-to-eat foods.

This distinction is important in food safety, as ready-to-eat foods should be handled carefully to prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses, whereas foods that require cooking can undergo further processing to eliminate potential pathogens before serving. Understanding the classification of foods helps food handlers ensure proper food safety practices are followed.