What is TCS Food?

TCS food stands for “Time and Temperature Control for Safety” food, and is a form of food safety that is mandated by the USDA and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This type of food safety focuses on controlling the temperature of food from the time it is purchased until it is served, as well as ensuring that food contaminated with bacteria is eliminated. It is a key component to protecting the public from foodborne illnesses, and any food that is subject to government regulations in the United States must meet TCS standards.

How Does TCS Food Help Prevent Foodborne Illness?

Time and temperature control is the most important aspect of the TCS food process, as bacteria can quickly spoil food if it is stored or served at an improper temperature. All TCS foods must be kept below 41°F if it is a cold food item, such as dairy products, or above 135°F if it is a hot food item, such as cooked meats. These temperatures must then be monitored to ensure that they are maintained throughout the time the food is in storage and being served. If the food is outside of this temperature range for more than four hours, the food must be discarded immediately.

The other important aspect of the TCS food process is controlling cross contamination, which will help to make sure that food intended to be served raw is not tainted with bacteria from cooked food items. Along with proper storage and temperature controls, there are also strict rules in place for proper food preparation, such as ensuring that all utensils and surfaces are properly cleaned between tasks.

How Do I Know if I’m Consuming TCS Food?

The best way to know if you’re consuming TCS food is by asking your server or the restaurant owner if their restaurant follows TCS regulations. If it does, then you can rest assured that you’re consuming safe and healthy food. Additionally, you may find TCS-certified labeling on some food products that you purchase in stores, like dairy products, to ensure that they were made using proper TCS protocol.