Are Saltine Crackers a TCS Food?

Saltine crackers are a type of flat, unleavened cracker made from white flour, baking soda, and yeast. These crackers have a very mild flavor, which makes them an ideal accompaniment to soups and salads or as a snack. They are often found in restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience stores. Saltine crackers are widely known and eaten, but are they a TCS food?

What is a TCS Food?

What is a TCS Food?

TCS stands for Time and Temperature Control for Safety, and is a food safety system used by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The purpose of this system is to ensure that food is kept at safe temperatures throughout the entire food service process, from preparation to storage to serving. Foods that are considered to be TCS foods are those that have a high risk of becoming hazardous to human health if not properly stored or handled. Examples of TCS foods include dairy products, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, and some baked goods.

Are Saltine Crackers a TCS Food?

Are Saltine Crackers a TCS Food?

No, saltine crackers are not considered to be a TCS food. While they are a type of baked good, they do not contain any dairy, eggs, meat, poultry, or fish, and are not considered to be a high-risk food. Therefore, they do not require the same level of temperature control as other TCS foods. Saltine crackers can be safely stored at room temperature and will remain safe to eat for an extended period of time.

Are There Any Risks Associated with Eating Saltine Crackers?

Are There Any Risks Associated with Eating Saltine Crackers?

While saltine crackers are not considered to be a TCS food, there are still some potential food safety risks associated with them. For example, the salt and other additives used to flavor the crackers can cause an allergic reaction in some people, and the crackers may contain trace amounts of food allergens such as wheat, nuts, and soy. Additionally, saltine crackers can become stale and moldy if not properly stored in an airtight container. For these reasons, it is important to practice safe food handling practices when handling and eating saltine crackers.



Saltine crackers are a popular snack and accompaniment to meals, but they are not considered to be a TCS food. While they are safe to eat and store, they can still pose a risk of food allergies and spoilage, so it is important to practice safe food handling and storage practices when consuming them.