Can raw or undercooked TCS foods be offered for sale without a consumer advisory?

Raw or undercooked TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) foods pose a significant risk for foodborne illnesses, as they may harbor harmful pathogens that can cause illness if not properly cooked. Because of this risk, regulations require that establishments offering such foods must clearly communicate the potential dangers to consumers. This is where a consumer advisory comes into play.

A consumer advisory serves as a warning that informs customers about the risks associated with consuming raw or undercooked items. It is crucial for both ethical and legal reasons; not only does it protect the health of consumers, but it also protects the establishment from liability. By prohibiting the sale of raw or undercooked TCS foods without a consumer advisory, the regulations ensure that customers are making informed choices based on their own health and safety.

Other options imply that there is some flexibility in offering raw or undercooked TCS foods, whether it be through verbal advisories or without any advisories, but none of these alternatives align with established food safety protocols. To maintain public health standards and keep customers safe, a strict prohibition in these situations is enforced.