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To what temperature must a ready-to-eat TCS food that has been commercially processed be heated?

Answer :

Final answer:

Reheating commercially processed ready-to-eat TCS foods typically requires heating to a minimum internal temperature of 74 °C (165 °F) to ensure the destruction of harmful bacteria and prevent foodborne illness.

Explanation:

When reheating commercially processed ready-to-eat TCS food, it's crucial to heat it to a temperature that is high enough to kill any potentially harmful bacteria. In accordance with food safety guidelines, this usually means reaching an internal temperature that eliminates common pathogens responsible for food poisoning, such as Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum).

While killing C. botulinum endospores requires a temperature of 116 °C (240 °F), ready-to-eat TCS foods that have already been commercially processed typically need to be reheated to a safe temperature that is appropriate based on the type of food. The exact temperature can vary, but a general rule is to heat such foods to at least 74 °C (165 °F) before consumption to ensure safety.

For example, the USDA recommends heating leftovers and casseroles to 165 °F to ensure all potential pathogens have been destroyed. It is essential to use a food thermometer to correctly measure the temperature of the food to confirm it has reached a safe level. Failure to control the temperature can lead to rapid bacterial growth and increase the risk of foodborne illness.

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