Final answer:
Sprouts are considered a TCS food because they need time and temperature control to prevent bacterial growth, unlike bananas, coffee, and crackers. The correct option is d. sprouts.
Step-by-step explanation:
A TCS food is potentially hazardous food that requires time and temperature control to limit pathogen growth or toxin production. In the list provided, d. sprouts are considered a TCS food because they are grown in warm and moist conditions, which are ideal for the growth of bacteria and other pathogens. Other items, such as bananas, coffee, and crackers, do not typically require strict time and temperature controls to maintain safety.
TCS food stands for Time/Temperature Control for Safety food. It refers to food that requires specific temperature control to prevent the growth of bacteria or other harmful microorganisms.
Out of the given options, crackers would be considered a TCS food because they can support the growth of bacteria if not stored properly. Bananas, coffee, and sprouts would not be classified as TCS foods as they do not have the same risk of bacterial growth.
The correct option is d. sprouts.