What are ready-to-eat foods?

Ready-to-eat foods are those that can be consumed without any further preparation or treatment, meaning they are safe and convenient to eat right away. This category includes items like pre-packaged salads, deli meats, cheese, and certain fruits or snacks that do not require cooking or additional processing. The focus on no further preparation highlights their ease of use, making them popular for quick meals or snacks.

In contrast, the other options involve some form of preparation. Foods that must be thoroughly cooked before consumption need to be prepared to ensure they are safe to eat, while frozen foods requiring defrosting must be thawed before cooking or eating. Similarly, foods needing marination before cooking clearly indicate that they require additional steps before they can be consumed. All these factors differentiate them from ready-to-eat foods.