H-E-B stores in Austin throw away food after storm power outage

AUSTIN, Texas — H-E-B stores in Mueller and northwest Austin had to throw away food after losing power due to Wednesday’s powerful storm.

Video on social media shows H-E-B employees at a store in Austin throwing shopping carts full of groceries into a dumpster.

MORE | Storms kill one person, leave 30,000 without power in Austin as recovery efforts continue

H-E-B confirmed with CBS Austin that the stores in Mueller and Far West were unable to keep perishable foods at proper temperatures due to the power outage from Wednesday’s storm.

“Due to a sustained power outage, our H-E-B Mueller and Far West stores in Austin were unable to keep perishable foods at proper temperatures,” H-E-B said. “To follow strict food quality and safety standards, we are required to dispose of perishable foods when they are not properly temperature controlled, which also prevents us from donating those items to food pantries and food banks. When the stores reopen, they will have product available for customers. “

One person died and 30,000 in Austin were left without power Thursday morning after the storm, with winds on Wednesday reaching 77 mph and torrential hail coming down across the city.