What does TCS stand for in terms of food safety?

TCS stands for Time/Temperature Control for Safety, which refers to foods that require specific time and temperature conditions to prevent the growth of microorganisms that can cause foodborne illness. Keeping TCS foods within safe temperature ranges is crucial to ensure they remain safe for consumption.

These foods typically include items like meat, dairy products, cooked vegetables, and prepared foods. By controlling the time and temperature at which these foods are stored, cooked, and served, food handlers can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne pathogens proliferating, thus enhancing food safety.

Understanding TCS foods is fundamental for food safety practices because it helps food handlers determine which items require more stringent handling procedures and monitoring, reducing the likelihood of food poisoning incidents.