What is the safe cold-holding temperature for TCS foods?

What is the safe cold-holding temperature for TCS foods?

• A. 32°F (0°C)
• B. 41°F (5°C) or below
• C. 50°F (10°C)
• D. 60°F (15°C)

Answer: (B)

Keep TCS foods at 41°F (5°C) or below. Bacteria multiply rapidly in the temperature danger zone, which is 41°F to 135°F, so holding foods at or below 41°F minimizes risk. Temperatures like 50°F or 60°F keep foods in that danger zone and allow rapid growth, making them unsafe. Freezing at 32°F is not the general cold-holding target for all TCS foods.

Keep TCS foods at 41°F (5°C) or below. Bacteria multiply rapidly in the temperature danger zone, which is 41°F to 135°F, so holding foods at or below 41°F minimizes risk. Temperatures like 50°F or 60°F keep foods in that danger zone and allow rapid growth, making them unsafe. Freezing at 32°F is not the general cold-holding target for all TCS foods.