Which pH range is associated with TCS foods when the water activity is above 0.85?

Which pH range is associated with TCS foods when the water activity is above 0.85?

• A. 3.0 to 5.0
• B. 4.6 to 9.0
• C. 6.0 to 7.5
• D. 2.0 to 4.0

Answer: (B)

Pathogen growth in foods depends on both pH and water activity. When water activity is above 0.85, there’s enough available moisture for microbes to grow; in this situation the pH must be 4.6 or lower to inhibit growth. Therefore, the pH range that can be associated with TCS foods under high water activity (aw > 0.85) is from 4.6 up to about 9.0, since values in this range can support growth if not controlled. Values below 4.6 are too acidic to allow growth even with high aw, while pH ranges well above 4.6 are capable of supporting microbial growth under these moisture conditions.

Pathogen growth in foods depends on both pH and water activity. When water activity is above 0.85, there’s enough available moisture for microbes to grow; in this situation the pH must be 4.6 or lower to inhibit growth. Therefore, the pH range that can be associated with TCS foods under high water activity (aw > 0.85) is from 4.6 up to about 9.0, since values in this range can support growth if not controlled. Values below 4.6 are too acidic to allow growth even with high aw, while pH ranges well above 4.6 are capable of supporting microbial growth under these moisture conditions.