Which food process does not require a variance from a regulatory authority?

Buying bean sprouts from a reputable supplier is a food process that does not require a variance from a regulatory authority because it involves sourcing an ingredient that is already pre-processed and meets safety regulations established by food safety standards. When food establishments purchase bean sprouts from a reputable source, they are relying on the supplier to have adhered to health and safety protocols during growing and processing, which reduces the risk of foodborne illness.

In contrast, the other processes listed typically require variances because they involve more complex handling or preparation methods that can potentially increase food safety risks and require specific food safety controls to mitigate those risks. For example, fermenting vegetables, smoking fish, and serving raw meat can all pose health risks if not done correctly. These methods can involve specialized equipment or techniques that regulatory authorities need to review to ensure the processes are safe for public consumption. Thus, these processes would necessitate a variance to ensure compliance with safety regulations, while purchasing pre-processed food items does not carry the same level of risk.