But aubreynoramarie ...
It's not actually illegal. At least it's not in Florida. It wasn't when we lived in Idaho.
Grocery stores have presented so much that is "ready" food... like sandwiches, subs, hot meals even (our local Publix has a huge section near the deli with hot meals and people eat their finger food like Popcorn chicken *openly* along with the convenient little ranch and blue cheese cups provided for the meal, and an actual soda fountain... now are people suppose to let all the ice melt in their fountain drinks and their food get cold as they shop? No.. they eat it openly... usually right around the deli and take the packages up the front to the cashier.
So... they have done so much to make food available... how are people going to seperate that from the cold sandwiches at the next counter over? Not talking about snatching veggies with your hand from the salad section, or candy... thats just gross. But something pre-packaged... or made for you, served hot?