Which practice is NOT recommended for monitoring hot TCS foods during service?

• A. Checking temperature every 4 hours
• B. Recording temperatures
• C. Taking corrective actions for out-of-range temps
• D. Checking temperature once per day

Answer: (D)

Regular temperature monitoring of hot foods held for service is essential to keep them out of the danger zone. Hot TCS foods should be kept at 135°F (57°C) or above, and you verify this by measuring at set intervals—typically every 4 hours. Recording these readings creates a record that shows control and helps spot trends. When a reading is out of range, take immediate corrective actions, such as adjusting heat, reheating to safe temperatures, or discarding unsafe portions, and document what was done. Checking temperatures only once per day misses fluctuations that can occur during service, allowing food to fall into the danger zone or lose proper holding temperature. So, the practice not recommended is checking temperatures only once per day.