What food is considered a TCS food?

TCS foods are foods that require time and temperature control to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. This is because they contain ingredients that are susceptible to bacterial growth, such as:

* Protein-rich foods: Meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy products, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds

* High-moisture foods: Fruits, vegetables, cooked rice, grains, pasta

* Cut melons (because bacteria can grow rapidly on the cut surface)

Here are some examples of TCS foods:

* Raw meat and poultry

* Cooked meat and poultry

* Seafood

* Eggs

* Milk and dairy products

* Cooked rice and grains

* Cooked beans and lentils

* Sprouts

* Cut melons

* Salads with protein ingredients

* Sandwiches

* Soups and stews

It's crucial to handle and store TCS foods properly to prevent foodborne illness. This includes:

* Refrigerating TCS foods at 41°F (5°C) or below

* Heating TCS foods to 165°F (74°C) for at least 15 seconds

* Keeping hot foods hot at 140°F (60°C) or above

* Using separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods

* Washing hands thoroughly after handling raw foods

* Preventing cross-contamination by keeping TCS foods separate from other foods

Remember: Always follow food safety guidelines to ensure your food is safe to eat. If you have any questions or concerns about handling specific TCS foods, consult a food safety expert.