Which food item is unsuitable for the Indian meal moth to develop?

The Indian meal moth, a common pest in stored food products, typically thrives in dry, processed food items that provide the conditions it needs for reproduction and development. Foods like nuts, chocolate, and dried fruits all possess the dry matter and nutrient content that can support the growth of larvae.

Fresh vegetables, on the other hand, have high moisture content and are generally not conducive to the life cycle of the Indian meal moth. The larvae of this pest prefer environments with lower moisture and higher carbohydrate content, which is why they are commonly found in dried goods. Fresh vegetables would spoil quickly and do not offer the necessary nutrients and conditions for the moth to mature, making them unsuitable for the development of the Indian meal moth.