Quiz Show - TCS (temperature controlled for safety) or Shelf Stable? Dehydrated Watermelon

The term 'TCS' is often used to refer to food that either requires temperature or time control for food safety and 7 day date marking. So let the games begin and test your knowledge.

Dried watermelon. Dehydrated in-house, time and temperature unknown. Shelf stable or TCS food?

Answer:

Yes, dried watermelon is a TCS food. Once cut open, watermelon is a TCS food and is required to be held under temperature control with a 7-day shelf life. So, putting this or any TCS food in a dehydrator without knowing the temperature and time out would not be safe or allowed.