TCS food (time/temperature control for safety)
TCS food is food that needs time and temperature control for safety because bacteria grow quickly in it if it sits at the wrong temperature. Examples include meat, dairy, eggs, cooked rice and cut melons. Markets treat TCS vendors more strictly, often requiring a permit, cold holding and handwashing.
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About tcs food.
Also called: TCS, potentially hazardous food, time/temperature control for safety food.
Foods like whole fruit, bread and most dry goods are not TCS. Foods like cut fruit, cooked grains, sandwiches with meat or dairy, and sauces usually are.
Health departments set the required hot and cold holding temperatures, and they base many rules on the FDA Food Code, which they adopt in their own form. Check the local numbers and the local list of what counts.
Organizers can reduce risk by asking each food vendor what they sell and how they keep it hot or cold. Cottage food laws usually exclude TCS items.
This is general information, not legal advice; check with your city, county or state office or an attorney for your situation.
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Facts on this page come from these sources, checked on 2026-10-11. Details change; tell us at hello@bzar.app if something here is out of date.
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