Ready-to-eat foods include which of the following?

Ready-to-eat foods are items that can be consumed without any further preparation, cooking, or processing. This category typically includes foods that have been cooked and are safe to eat immediately or require minimal preparation.

Cooked food, such as leftovers that have been prepared and cooked, falls into the ready-to-eat category because it has been handled and prepared in a way that eliminates most harmful microorganisms. Additionally, raw fruits are considered ready-to-eat because they can be washed and eaten directly without needing to be cooked. They are safe for consumption when handled properly, making them convenient options for immediate eating.

In contrast, packaged meals, while convenient, often require heating or further preparation before they are considered ready-to-eat depending on their contents. Frozen poultry must also be cooked before consumption to eliminate bacteria and parasites, thus not fitting the definition of ready-to-eat. Raw fish poses similar risks as it requires specific handling and preparation to ensure it is safe for consumption, so it would not be classified as a ready-to-eat food without proper preparation.