Food Safety during weather emergencies
Q: With this last week’s crazy weather, I thought it would be a good time to review food safety during power outages and weather emergencies!
A: Without electricity or a cold source, food stored in refrigerators and freezers can become unsafe. Bacteria in food grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 and 140 °F, and if these foods are consumed, people can become very sick.
The steps to follow in preparation for a possible weather emergency include keeping an appliance thermometer in both your refrigerator and all freezers. This can be used to identify temperature of your appliances if a power outage occurs and may determine whether or not the food is safe. Keep your freezers at 0 °F or below and refrigerators at 40 ºF or below. You may want to freeze containers of water ahead of time for ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator, or coolers after the power is out. Freeze gel packs for use in coolers. Freeze refrigerated items such as leftovers, milk and fresh meat and poultry that you may not need immediately. Group food together in the freezer — this helps the food stay cold longer.
During snow and ice storms do not place perishable food out in the snow. Outside temperatures can vary and food can be exposed to unsanitary conditions and animals. Instead, make ice. Fill buckets, empty milk containers, or cans with water and leave them outside to freeze. Use this ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator, or coolers.
After a weather emergency, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. The refrigerator will keep food safe for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) and the door remains closed. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers, and deli items after 4 hours without power. Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40 °F or below when checked with a food thermometer. Never taste a food to determine its safety! If the power has been out for several days, check the temperature of the freezer with an appliance thermometer. If the appliance thermometer reads 40 °F or below, the food is safe to refreeze. If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, check each package of food to determine its safety. If the food still contains ice crystals, the food is safe.
Remember, when in doubt… throw it out!