Final answer:
Jams and dried meats do not require refrigeration because their high sugar and low moisture contents naturally inhibit bacterial growth, reducing the need for a variance or a HACCP plan.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking why certain products, such as jams and dried meats, do not require refrigeration to prevent spoilage. The reason these foods often do not require a variance and possibly a HACCP plan for retail processing and subsequently refrigeration is due to the preservation methods used during production. Jams have a high sugar content, which creates an environment that inhibits the growth of bacteria.
Dried meats have a low moisture content, which is crucial for the survival of microorganisms, which means pathogens are less likely to thrive. Jams and dried meats often do not require refrigeration to prevent spoilage due to better sterilization and canning procedures, which have reduced the incidence of botulism. Most cases of foodborne illness now are related to small-scale food production.