Final answer:
Refrigerated, ready-to-eat (TCS) food can be safely stored at 41 degrees Fahrenheit for a maximum of 7 days to prevent bacterial growth and ensure food safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
Refrigerated, ready-to-eat (TCS) food can be stored safely at 41 degrees Fahrenheit (which is slightly above the recommended 40 degrees F) for up to 7 days. It's essential to keep refrigerated foods at this temperature to prevent the rapid growth of bacteria and ensure food safety. It's worth noting that placing food in a refrigerator does not kill bacteria, it simply inhibits their growth. Therefore, to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses, TCS food should not be stored beyond this timeframe.