Make sure food is SAFE TO EAT after an outage
If there is a power outage for more than an hour or two, the food in your refrigerator or freezer may not be safe to eat.
Unlike mold that visually warns you not to eat old bread or cheese, many foods do not scream don’t eat me, I’ll make you sick. They can look harmless, but bacteria growing in them can bring on a slew of symptoms like nausea, chills, cramps, vomiting, and other unwanted visitors.
During and after an outage, keep these food safety tips in mind:
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep in the cold air.
- Time the outage. Foods in an unopened fridge up to 4 hours should be safe to eat.*
- Know the numbers:
- A freezer that is half full (and is kept closed) can keep foods frozen for 24 hours.*
- A freezer that is full (and kept closed) can keep foods frozen for 48 hours.*
- Never taste food to determine if it is safe to eat: WHEN IN DOUBT, throw it out.
- Throw out perishable food in your refrigerator after 4 hours without power or a cold source like dry ice.
- Perishable foods include meat, fish, cut fruits and vegetables, eggs, meats and leftovers.
- Throw out any foods with unusual color, odor, or texture.
*According to the CDC
Remember, when in DOUBT, throw it OUT.
Learn more at: SafeElectricity.org
