How long is food good during a power outage?

Food safety guidelines following a power outage

How long can certain foods sit in fridge or freezer during a power outage? What happens if you eat spoiled foods? Dr. Michelle Udayamurthy, with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, shares important food safety guidelines.

HOUSTON – Severe weather can knock out power for days, compromising the safety of refrigerated and frozen foods.

Power outage food safety

<!–>

What you can do:

–> <!–>

It’s crucial to follow food safety guidelines to keep you and your family healthy.

–>

The Houston Health Department shares these tips for keeping your food cold longer and knowing when it’s time to toss it out.

<!–>

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed

–>

A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours if unopened.

<!–>

A full freezer will maintain its temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if half full) if the door remains closed.

–>

Monitor temperatures

<!–>

Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer. The refrigerator should be at or below 40°F, and the freezer should be at or below 0°F.

–>

Throw away any perishable food (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers) that has been above 40°F for two hours or more.

<!–>

When in doubt, throw it out

–>

If you are unsure whether a particular food item is safe, do not taste it. It is better to discard it to prevent the risk of foodborne illness.

<!–>

Examine each item separately

–>

Some foods may appear safe even if they are not. Use both time and temperature to decide which foods to keep and which to discard.

<!–>

Additional Tips

–>

Have appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer to ensure they are at the correct temperatures.

<!–>

Consider keeping a supply of non-perishable foods that do not require refrigeration.

–>

Dig deeper:

<!–>

For further information, please visit the CDC’s food safety page.

–>