Final answer:
TCS foods should be stored at below 4 degrees Celsius to inhibit bacterial growth. If TCS foods are left at a temperature between 4 and 60 degrees Celsius for more than two hours, they should be discarded. Ready-to-eat foods prepped in-house should be stored according to local health department guidelines, usually for a maximum of 7 days.
Step-by-step explanation:
Temperature control is crucial for the storage of TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) foods and ready-to-eat foods prepped in-house. TCS foods include foods like meats, dairy, eggs, and cooked vegetables, which are more prone to bacterial growth. These foods should be stored at below 4 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit) to inhibit bacterial growth in the refrigerator. If TCS foods are left at a temperature between 4 and 60 degrees Celsius (40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit) for more than two hours, they should be discarded to prevent the risk of foodborne illness. When it comes to ready-to-eat foods prepped in-house, they should be stored according to the food safety guidelines provided by your local health department. These guidelines typically recommend storing ready-to-eat foods for a maximum of 7 days in a refrigerated state.