Michigan Food Safety Management Practice Test

Which food item is NOT classified as a TSC food?

1. Milk

2. Garlic/Oil Mixture

3. Raw Seafood

4. Whole Apples

The correct answer is: Whole Apples

TSC, or Time/Temperature Control for Safety, foods are items that require careful monitoring of temperature and time to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and ensure food safety. The classification of foods as TSC is based on their potential for pathogen growth. Whole apples are considered non-TSC foods because they have a low moisture content and are acidic, which makes them less conducive to bacterial growth. They can be stored at room temperature and do not require temperature control to keep them safe for consumption in the same way that milk, garlic/oil mixtures, and raw seafood do. These latter foods are more prone to spoilage and require strict adherence to temperature control protocols to ensure they remain safe to eat. In contrast, raw seafood and milk can harbor bacteria that multiply rapidly if not kept at safe temperatures, and garlic/oil mixtures can create an anaerobic environment, ideal for botulism if not stored properly. Therefore, identifying whole apples as not being classified as TSC reflects their intrinsic safety properties and lower risk associated with their storage.