What is one exception to the 165°F reheating requirement?

The exception to the 165°F reheating requirement applies to commercially processed food that is delivered in an intact package. This type of food has been processed and packaged in a manner that makes it safe to eat without further heating. The reason for this exception lies in the fact that the food has already undergone a cooking or pasteurization process during manufacturing, which effectively reduces or eliminates pathogens. As long as the packaged food is kept intact and stored properly, it can be consumed directly without needing to reach the standard reheating temperature typically required to ensure safety.

In contrast, packaged salads and fresh fruits are generally not considered hazardous, but they do not fall under the same commercial processing criteria that grant them an exception from the reheating process. Frozen meats often require reheating to a safe temperature to eliminate potential pathogens that may survive freezing, making them unsuitable as an exception in this context.