Final answer:
Ready-to-eat TCS food items can be safely stored for a maximum of seven days at 41°F (5°C) or lower, provided they haven't been subjected to higher temperatures post-cooking.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum length of time that ready-to-eat TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) food items can be safely stored at 41 degrees°F (5 degrees°C) or lower is seven days. This is under the assumption that the food has been stored correctly and has not been subjected to temperatures above 41 degrees°F after initial cooking or preparation. After seven days, even if kept at the correct temperature, the quality of the food is likely to decline, and there might be an increased risk of foodborne illness.
It is essential to monitor the elimination of the failure of temperature control, which can rapidly escalate the growth of bacteria, particularly in the 'danger zone' between 40 degrees°F and 140 degrees°F. To ensure the safety of TCS food items, regular checks with a refrigerator thermometer are recommended. Additionally, leftovers should be consumed or disposed of within a safe timeframe to prevent bacterial growth.