ROGERS NO Additive cereals are minimally processed grains and are not ready-to-eat. Because they don’t go through a final “kill step” (a high-heat treatment) after packaging, they’re intended to be cooked before eating to reduce food-safety risk.

The “do not eat raw” and “wash your hands” instructions are there as a precaution: like flour, raw grains can carry naturally occurring bacteria picked up during growing, harvesting, storage, or handling. Washing hands after handling dry grains and keeping counters, utensils, and bowls clean helps prevent cross-contamination of other foods.

Cook before consuming, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant people, or anyone with a weakened immune system.