Q: My power was out. How do I tell what food is safe and what isn't?

Wind storms, thunderstorms and ice storms can cause extended power outages. What do you do with your food?

PRINTthis information and put it in a safe place for when your power goes out next time.

Generally...

As food in the refrigerator is safe as long as the power is out no more than a few hours. Be sure to keep the door closed to keep the cold air inside.

In the Refrigerator...

• Food will usually keep cold in the refrigerator 4-6 hours.
• If power goes out in winter and you have an insulated picnic cooler (48-54 quart size works well), put your refrigerated food in that with ice. That container is smaller and will keep cooler longer.

Ok for a Few Days in the Refrigerator...

• Barbecue sauce
• Bread, rolls, cakes, and muffins
• Butter
• Cheese (hard and processed)
• Fruits & vegetables (fresh)
• Fruit juice
• Jelly
• Margarine
• Peanut butter (opened jars)
• Pies (fruit)
• Relish
• Salad Dressing

For all the rest of foods... the most important rule to remember in keeping food safe is: discard refrigerated foods if kept over 2 hours at above 40 degrees F.

NOT Okay...

The following foods are primary culprits in food poisoning and should be discarded if left over 2 hours above 40 degrees F.

• Casseroles, stews or soups
• Doughs (refrigerator and cookie)
• Eggs (fresh, egg substitutes)
• Gravies
• Lunch meats
• Mayonnaise and Tartar sauce
• Meat, (raw or cooked), poultry & seafood
• Milk/ cream, yogurt, soft-cheese
• Pasta (cooked pasta, pasta salads)
• Pastries (cream-filled)
• Pies (custard, chiffon or cheese)
• Pizza, (meat-topped)

In the Freezer...

• Just because the power goes off doesn't mean all the food in your freezer will spoil. Food in a full, free-standing freezer will be safe for about 2 days; a half full freezer for about 1 day.
• Discard foods that have become fully thawed (or cook right away.)
• Except... hard cheeses, fruits & vegetables. These foods can safely be re-frozen.

If the Food Thaws...?

• Despite your best efforts, the food in your freezer may partially or completely thaw before power is restored.
• Foods may be safely refrozen if they still contain ice crystals. Partial thawing and re-freezing reduces the quality of foods, particularly fruits, vegetables and prepared foods.
• Unspoiled meat may be cooked and then refrozen.

Meat & Poultry...

• Should be discarded if the color or odor is poor or questionable or if the meat temperature has exceeded 40 degrees F for more than 2 hours.

Fish & Shellfish...

• Should NOT be refrozen if thawed completely since these foods are extremely perishable. But you may refreeze if ice crystals are present.

Frozen Dinner & Ice Cream...

• Do not refreeze.