With winter weather coming to the region this weekend, it’s important to be mindful of food safety during power outages.
Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent Jill Harris says the best thing someone can do during a power outage is to leave their refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
Instead, it’s a good idea to prepare ahead of time to have some ice on hand, which will help food stay fresh and cold for a longer amount of time.
Once the power comes back on, Harris says freezer food is safe to refreeze or cook if it has ice crystals or feels “refrigerator cold,” around 40 degrees.
If food like meat, seafood and ice cream have fully thawed, Harris says to throw it away. She adds it’s important to ensure the juices from raw meat haven’t leaked onto any other food.
For refrigerator food, perishable items like milk, leftovers, fresh eggs and baby formula should be thrown away if they have been over 40 degrees for over two hours. Harris notes it’s helpful to have a standalone thermometer in the fridge, as built-in digital thermometers will not work if power goes out.
For those planning on cooking, Harris recommends using refrigerator food first.
If all else fails, stick to shelf-stable foods, like bread, peanut butter and canned items, which can be eaten straight out of the can.
If the power goes out, Harris says to keep cold food cold, check freezer items carefully and use a safe water source, such as water bottles or boiling the water before use. She adds the USDA has a great resource online, available HERE.
For questions about food safety, contact the extension office at 270-265-5659.
