AAA Food Manager Certification Practice Test

Which of the following is an example of a TCS food?

1. Canned vegetables

2. Cooked rice

3. Bottled water

4. Dry pasta

The correct answer is: Cooked rice

The correct answer is cooked rice because it falls under the category of Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods. TCS foods are those that require careful time and temperature management to safely mitigate the risk of foodborne illness. Cooked rice, when held at improper temperatures for too long, can support the growth of harmful bacteria, particularly Bacillus cereus, which is commonly associated with rice. To keep cooked rice safe, it should be stored at proper temperatures (either hot or cold) and consumed or discarded in a timely manner. In contrast, canned vegetables are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration until opened, thus they are not considered TCS foods. Bottled water is also safe as it is not prone to bacterial growth and does not require special handling. Dry pasta is further in the category of low-risk foods since it is shelf-stable and does not promote the growth of pathogens under normal storage conditions. Understanding these classifications is crucial for effective food safety management in any food service operation.