Which of the following foods does NOT fall under TCS?

TCS, or Time/Temperature Control for Safety foods, are those that require specific temperature controls to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. These are generally foods that are capable of supporting the rapid growth of harmful bacteria if not stored or handled properly.

Raw fish, pasteurized milk, and cut lettuce all fall under TCS categories because they are perishable and can support bacterial growth. Raw fish can harbor pathogens, pasteurized milk, while treated to kill bacteria, can still spoil if not refrigerated, and cut lettuce can provide a surface for bacteria to grow on due to moisture and nutrient content when exposed to air.

Bread, on the other hand, does not require refrigeration and can be safely stored at room temperature for an extended period. It has low moisture content, which inhibits bacterial growth, making it a shelf-stable item that does not need the stringent temperature controls that TCS foods do. Therefore, bread is recognized as a non-TCS food item.