Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

Cooling TCS foods too slowly can result in:

1. Improved shelf life

2. Microbial growth

3. Better texture

4. Less waste

The correct answer is: Microbial growth

Cooling Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods is critical to prevent foodborne illnesses. When TCS foods are cooled too slowly, they pass through the temperature danger zone (between 41°F and 135°F) for an extended period. This is the range where harmful bacteria can grow rapidly. Microbial growth is a direct consequence of prolonged exposure to these temperatures. Bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli thrive under these conditions, potentially leading to foodborne outbreaks and posing significant health risks to consumers. Therefore, it is essential to cool TCS foods quickly and efficiently by using methods such as shallow pans, ice baths, or blast chillers, ensuring they reach safe temperatures within regulatory guidelines. The other choices do not directly relate to the consequences of slow cooling. Improved shelf life and better texture are typically associated with proper cooling methods, while less waste relates to effective food management practices. None of these adequately address the critical concern of food safety, making microbial growth the primary risk in this scenario.