Give an example of a TCS (Temperature Control for Safety) food.

TCS foods, or Temperature Control for Safety foods, are those that require strict temperature control to prevent the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. In your answer, meat, dairy products, and cooked vegetables are prime examples of TCS foods.

Meat is particularly susceptible to bacterial growth if not stored or cooked at the correct temperatures. Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, also need to be kept cold to inhibit bacterial growth, while cooked vegetables can provide a breeding ground for bacteria if they are not maintained at safe temperatures.

Fruits and vegetables, while they can spoil, are typically not classified as TCS unless they are cut and ready-to-eat; hence, they are usually safer without temperature control compared to the items in your selected answer. Canned goods have a long shelf life and are preserved in a way that makes them safe without refrigeration. Baked goods, while they may require some care to maintain quality, do not typically pose significant risks in terms of food safety when left at room temperature compared to TCS foods.