Food Safety Articles

TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) food is a high risk food that requires specific time and temperature controls to remain safe for consumption. When cooling this type of food, the temperature must be reduced from 135°F to 41°F or lower - within 6 hours.

Bacteria are a member of a large group of unicellular microorganisms - some of which can cause human disease. Although most bacteria are harmless or often beneficial, some bacteria are pathogenic, or those that can pose a threat to human health or cause illness. Bacteria and viruses are responsible for most foodborne illnesses and are the biggest threat to food safety.

Biological food hazards are biological agents that can pose a threat to human health and include bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Bacteria and viruses are responsible for most foodborne illnesses and are the biggest threat to food safety. The most common result of infections from biological agents is gastroenteritis - inflammation of the stomach and small intestine. Also called the “stomach flu”, gastroenteritis is generally acquired through consumption of contaminated food or water, or through direct contact with an object, surface, or person - as a result of poor sanitation and/or hygiene.

Raw poultry (turkey, chicken, duck, goose, quail, etc.) may contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. Proper preparation, cooking, and storage procedures must be followed - or a foodborne illness can occur.

Ready to start grilling hamburgers? Bacteria is of special concern with ground beef - because when beef is ground - more of the meat surface is exposed to potential harmful bacteria. For this reason, ground beef must be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F, so as to kill all the bacteria and avoid foodborne illness.