What type of food is described as "comminuted"?

Comminuted foods refer to items that have been reduced in size by being ground, minced, or smashed, which increases their surface area and can affect food safety and preparation methods. This definition directly aligns with ground-up foods like burgers and hot dogs.

Comminution is a term often used in the context of meat products, as grinding meat can help in creating uniform consistency, enhance flavor absorption, and allow for quicker cooking times. These foods can encompass any meat that has undergone this size reduction process, which is critical in the production and safety of items such as sausages and burgers.

The other options do not fit the definition of comminuted food. Whole fruits and vegetables remain intact and have not been altered in size. Grains and cereals, while they can be processed, are not usually described as comminuted but rather as milled or processed depending on their form. Raw dairy products also retain their original state and do not typically undergo comminution. Thus, understanding comminution is essential for the safety and quality of specific food products, particularly in the meat industry.