Date-mark ready-to-eat TCS food for a 7-day hold

Reinforce the Food Code date-marking order from food-protection training. Day one is the day of preparation or opening, and unmarked RTE TCS is discarded.

1. Cool or open the RTE TCS food, then label it the same day.
2. Count the preparation or opening date as day one.
3. Mark the discard date not more than seven days at 41°F or below.
4. Store so oldest dated product is used first.
5. Discard when the mark is reached or if the mark is missing.
6. Do not "re-date" leftover product to restart the clock.