Final answer:
TCS foods require careful time and temperature control to prevent bacterial growth and include dairy products, raw meats, and cooked grains. These foods can be hazardous if not handled correctly and include items such as raw (unpasteurized) milk, raw meats, pasta, and rice.
Step-by-step explanation:
TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) foods are foods that require specific time and temperature conditions to prevent unsafe bacteria growth. What types of TCS foods are there? The correct options are A) Dairy products, B) Raw meats, and C) Cooked grains.
- Dairy products like raw (unpasteurized) milk and soft cheeses made from it, as these items can harbor harmful bacteria if not properly handled and stored.
- Raw meats, which are susceptible to contamination and must be kept at safe temperatures to prevent the growth of pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella.
- Cooked grains such as pasta and rice, which can become unsafe if they are not cooled and stored properly.
- Fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables like melons and raw sprouts, also require careful handling to avoid the proliferation of bacteria.
While raw meats and dairy products are often recognized as possibly being TCS foods, prepared and processed items like cooked grains and certain fruits can also pose a risk if not handled correctly. The food industry uses practices such as chilling and pasteurization to safeguard these foods.