A power outage can be disruptive and concerning, especially when it comes to food safety. Knowing how long your refrigerated food will last without power is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. This guide will help you determine what to keep and what to discard after a power outage.
The Four-Hour Rule: A General Guideline for Refrigerated Food
According to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), refrigerated food remains safe for up to four hours during a power outage. It’s essential to keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. After four hours without power, perishable foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers should be discarded.
Specific Food Safety Guidelines During Power Outages
While the four-hour rule provides a general guideline, different foods have varying tolerances to temperature changes. Never rely on taste or smell to determine food safety. Always err on the side of caution – when in doubt, throw it out. Use the following guidelines to assess the safety of specific food items:
Meat, Poultry, and Seafood
- Discard: Raw or cooked meat, poultry, fish, seafood, soy meat substitutes, thawing meat or poultry, meat-containing salads (tuna, chicken, egg), gravy, stuffing, broth, lunchmeats, hot dogs, bacon, sausage, dried beef, pizza with toppings, canned hams labeled “Keep Refrigerated,” opened canned meats and fish, casseroles, soups, stews.
Dairy and Eggs
- Discard: Milk, cream, sour cream, buttermilk, evaporated milk, yogurt, eggnog, soy milk, opened baby formula, fresh shell eggs, hard-cooked eggs, egg dishes, egg products, custards, puddings, quiche, soft cheeses (blue, brie, camembert, cottage, cream cheese, etc.), shredded cheeses, low-fat cheeses.
- Keep: Hard cheeses (cheddar, Colby, Swiss, parmesan), processed cheeses, grated parmesan or romano in a can or jar, butter, margarine.
Fruits and Vegetables
- Discard: Cut fresh fruits, sliced or shredded coconut, pre-cut or pre-washed packaged greens, cooked vegetables, tofu, opened vegetable juice, baked potatoes, commercial garlic in oil, potato salad, casseroles with vegetables.
- Keep: Uncut fresh fruits, opened fruit juices, opened canned fruits, dried fruits, raisins, candied fruits, dates, uncut fresh vegetables, fresh mushrooms, herbs, spices.
Sauces, Spreads, and Condiments
- Discard: Opened mayonnaise, tartar sauce, horseradish (if above 50°F for over 8 hours), fish sauces, oyster sauce, opened creamy-based dressings, opened spaghetti sauce.
- Keep: Peanut butter, jelly, relish, taco sauce, mustard, ketchup, olives, pickles, Worcestershire, soy, barbecue, hoisin sauces, opened vinegar-based dressings.
Breads, Grains, and Baked Goods
- Discard: Refrigerator biscuits, rolls, cookie dough, cooked pasta, rice, potatoes, pasta salads, fresh pasta, cheesecake, cream-filled pastries, pies with fillings containing eggs or milk (custard, cheese, chiffon).
- Keep: Bread, rolls, cakes, muffins, quick breads, tortillas, waffles, pancakes, bagels, fruit pies.
Frozen Food Safety During a Power Outage
A full freezer will maintain a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if half full), provided the door remains closed. Food can be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F or below, though its quality might be affected.
Conclusion: Food Safety First
Power outages necessitate careful consideration of food safety. Adhering to these guidelines, utilizing the provided charts, and remembering the “when in doubt, throw it out” principle will help you protect yourself and your family from foodborne illnesses. Always prioritize safety when dealing with food after a power outage.
