A TCS food must be reheated to what minimum temperature before serving again?

In the context of food safety, TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) foods require proper reheating to eliminate harmful pathogens that may have proliferated during storage. The minimum reheating temperature for TCS foods is set at 165°F (74°C). This temperature is vital because it is sufficient to kill most bacteria, including those that could cause foodborne illnesses, ensuring the safety of the food when served.

Reheating TCS foods to this temperature also helps to allow a safe margin to account for any variations in heating effectiveness among different food products and cooking equipment. Once the food reaches this temperature throughout, it should be held at the recommended serving temperature to prevent the growth of bacteria.

The other temperatures listed are lower than the minimum required for reheating TCS foods, which may not fully eliminate the risk of foodborne illness if pathogens are present. Proper training and understanding of these temperature regulations are crucial for effective food safety management in any food service operation.