ready-to-eat food
Description:
Food intended by the producer for direct consumption without the need for cooking or other processing
Context:
Ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are foods that can be consumed without any further cooking or preparation, such as pre-packaged sandwiches, salads, cooked meats, or fruit for example. Because these foods are eaten as-is, they need careful control to prevent contamination with harmful bacteria, viruses, or chemicals.
EFSA assesses the safety of ready-to-eat foods by studying the risks of contamination, the presence of pathogens like Listeria or Salmonella, and the effects of processing, storage, and packaging. Their scientific advice helps the EU set regulations, safety standards, and guidance to ensure RTE foods are safe for consumers.