Understanding Gras Statements in reference to Ready to Eat
Can anyone help me in figuring out how to classify a Raw material if it is Ready to Eat or not, when looking at a GRAS statement.
Simple, you can't. GRAS has nothing to do with determining RTE versus non-RTE. RTE versus non-RTE is typically defined by the usage of that food material. For example, raw chicken; that is considered non-RTE because some type of heat treatment or "kill step" will be applied by someone later down the step such as a customer or food service. However, half & half is considered RTE because it can be consumed without any type of treatment or "kill step". Fruits & vegetables are considered RTE.
I hope this helps.