Which of the following is a TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) food that requires strict temperature control?
a.Sealed honey bottle
b.Whole uncut fresh lemons
c.Cut cantaloupe melon
d.Dry white rice (uncooked)
Explanation
Cut cantaloupe is a TCS food: cutting the melon exposes moist, low-acid flesh where bacteria grow, so the pieces must be held at 41°F or below. Whole fresh lemons stay far too acidic to support growth while the rind is intact, dry uncooked rice has too little water activity, and a sealed bottle of honey is shelf-stable for the same reason. Rice becomes TCS only after it is cooked and hydrated.
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