Question

If your menu includes raw or undercooked TCS items, you must ________.

1) Cook the items thoroughly
2) Serve the items as they are
3) Discard the items
4) Store the items in the refrigerator

Answer 1

For raw or undercooked TCS items, it is crucial to cook the items thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 74 degrees C (165 degrees F) to ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed. Proper handling and storage are also important to prevent foodborne illnesses. Therefore, the complete and factually accurate answer is: 1) Cook the items thoroughly.

Step-by-step explanation:

If your menu includes raw or undercooked TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) items, adhering to health and safety standards is imperative to prevent foodborne illnesses. Since the question presents multiple-choice options, referring to the provided reference information we can confirm the following:

• Cooking food thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 74 degrees C (165 degrees F) using a thermometer is essential to kill harmful bacteria.
• Regular handwashing and rinsing of produce, even if you do not consume the outer skin or rind, are important preventive measures against contamination.
• Perishable foods which are TCS items should not be left at temperatures between 4 and 60 degrees C (40 and 140 degrees F) for more than two hours.
• Foods meant to be eaten cold should be stored in the refrigerator to inhibit bacterial growth.

Given these points, the best practice would be to cook the items thoroughly to ensure safety. Therefore, the complete and factually accurate answer is: 1) Cook the items thoroughly.