For which process is a variance from a regulatory authority unnecessary?

Purchasing bean sprouts from a reputable supplier does not require a variance from a regulatory authority because it involves obtaining food from an approved source, which is a standard practice in food safety. When food items are sourced from reputable suppliers that comply with health and safety regulations, they undergo inspections and meet established safety standards before they reach the food establishment. This process does not involve any specialized methods or technologies that would necessitate additional oversight or regulatory approval.

In contrast, the other processes listed typically require a variance due to the unique risks they pose. For example, methods such as smoking food for preservation or packing food using Reduced-Oxygen Packaging (ROP) involve specific handling and storage requirements that can impact food safety, thus necessitating a variance to ensure proper safety measures are in place. Similarly, pasteurizing juice on-site involves a process that needs to meet specific safety standards and may require oversight to ensure it's done safely and effectively.