Final answer:
Cooking TCS food in the microwave requires specific guidelines to ensure food safety and proper cooking. These guidelines include covering the food, rotating or stirring it halfway, letting it stand for 2 minutes after cooking, and checking the temperature in at least 2 places. The minimum internal temperature for TCS food is 165°F.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cooking TCS food (meat, seafood, poultry, eggs) in the microwave requires certain guidelines to ensure food safety. The food must be cooked at a minimum internal temperature of 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria. Apart from this, there are other steps to follow:
- Cover the food: Covering the food helps retain moisture and heat, ensuring even cooking.
- Rotate or stir it halfway: This helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the food.
- Let the food stand for 2 minutes after cooking: Allowing the food to rest after cooking helps to continue the cooking process and kill any remaining bacteria.
- Check the temperature in at least 2 places: Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature in multiple locations to ensure it has reached the required 165°F.