When using time as a public health control instead of temperature, cold TCS food removed from refrigeration may be held without temperature control for a maximum of how long before it must be used or discarded?
a.12 hours, regardless of the starting temperature
b.8 hours, if the pan is re-iced every hour
c.24 hours, if the food is covered and labeled
d.6 hours, if it starts at 41°F and never exceeds 70°F
Explanation
Under time as a public health control, cold TCS food may be held up to 6 hours if it begins at 41°F or below and does not exceed 70°F, after which it must be discarded. A separate option in the same section allows 4 hours with no temperature limit. The item must be marked with its discard time. Nothing in the section permits 8, 12, or 24 hours, and re-icing, covering, or labeling does not extend the clock.
Law Reference: FDA Food Code §3-501.19Practice all 500 questions free — no signup required.
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