Final answer:
Cold TCS food must be received at an internal temperature of 41°F or lower to ensure safety and prevent bacterial growth.
Correct option is b. 41°F or lower
Step-by-step explanation:
Cold Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) food must be received at an internal temperature of 41°F or lower. This temperature ensures that bacterial growth is inhibited, keeping food safe for consumption. Foods that are not kept at or below this temperature for an extended period may become hazardous due to rapid bacterial multiplication.
It's important to maintain your refrigerator at or below 40°F and your freezer below 0°F to preserve food quality and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.