Can raw TCS foods be undercooked upon customer request?

The option stating that raw TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) foods can be undercooked upon customer request if there is a consumer advisory on the menu reflects the guidelines established to ensure food safety while allowing some degree of customer choice.

This guideline is significant because TCS foods are particularly susceptible to growing harmful bacteria if not cooked to the proper temperature. However, food service establishments can offer certain items, like undercooked meats or eggs, provided they inform customers of the associated risks through a consumer advisory. This advisory acts as a safeguard, ensuring that patrons are aware that consuming undercooked foods comes with potential health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.

In many jurisdictions, including those governed by health enforcement like the Southern Nevada Health District, having a clear consumer advisory and obtaining customer acknowledgment allows establishments to present these options while still promoting safety. This practice balances customer preference with necessary precautions.