Study for the Illinois Food Service License Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, get hints and explanations for each question. Start your journey towards success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


How long can TCS food that was prepped in-house be stored?

  1. 3 days

  2. 7 days

  3. 10 days

  4. 14 days

The correct answer is: 7 days

The correct answer is that TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) food that has been prepared in-house can typically be stored for up to 7 days. This guideline is crucial because it helps ensure food safety by minimizing the risk of foodborne illness caused by bacteria that can proliferate when food is improperly stored or kept for too long. The 7-day limit takes into consideration the conditions under which food is prepared, the temperatures at which it is maintained, and the potential for harmful microorganisms to grow over time. The other time frames presented, such as 3 days, 10 days, and 14 days, do not align with standard food safety practices that aim to protect consumers from the risks associated with TCS foods, which are particularly sensitive due to their perishable nature. Following the 7-day guideline effectively balances food safety with practicality in a restaurant or food service setting.