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What Should Be Thrown Out After a Power Outage? Ensuring Food Safety and Preventing Health Risks

Power outages can disrupt daily life and pose significant risks to food safety. During an outage, refrigerators and freezers stop working, leading to concerns about the spoilage of perishable foods. This article outlines what should be thrown out after a power outage to ensure that your food remains safe to eat and that you avoid potential health hazards related to foodborne illnesses.

Understanding the Impact on Food During a Power Outage

Refrigeration Temperature

• Refrigerators: Generally should maintain a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
• Freezers: Should maintain a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower to keep food frozen.

When the power goes out, these temperatures can rise, leading to the potential growth of harmful bacteria. The safety of food depends on how long the power was out and the internal temperatures reached during that period.

General Guidelines

The 2-Hour Rule

As a general rule, perishable foods should not be kept at temperatures above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours. If they are, they should be discarded to prevent foodborne illness.

Assessing Your Food

Before you start discarding items, it’s essential to assess the impact of the power outage on your stored food. Here's how to proceed:

1. Check When the Power Was Restored: Knowing how long the power was out will help you determine the safety of your food.
2. Assess Internal Temperatures: Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the food in your refrigerator and freezer.

What to Throw Out from the Refrigerator

Certain perishable foods are more susceptible to bacterial growth and should be discarded if they have been exposed to temperatures above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours. These include:

Dairy Products

• Milk, cream, and half-and-half
• Soft cheeses (brie, cottage cheese, cream cheese)
• Yogurt
• Sour cream

Meats and Poultry

• Raw or cooked meat and poultry
• Lunch meats and hot dogs
• Bacon and sausage
• Cooked casseroles and soups containing meat

Seafood

• Fresh or leftover fish and shellfish

Eggs and Egg Products

• Egg dishes and casseroles
• Hard-boiled eggs, peeled or in shell
• Mayonnaise, tartar sauce, and creamy dressings

Leftovers

• Any perishable food items that have been cooked and stored as leftovers

Prepared Foods and Condiments

• Opened pasta sauces and pickles
• Opened spaghetti sauces
• Opened creamy dressings

What to Keep from the Refrigerator

Some items are less susceptible to bacterial growth and can be kept safely even if they have been exposed to higher temperatures for a short period:

Condiments

• Ketchup, mustard, and vinegar-based dressings
• Butter and margarine
• Hard cheeses (cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan)

What to Throw Out from the Freezer

If Food is Thawed and Above 40°F (4°C) for More Than 2 Hours, Discard:

• Meat, poultry, and seafood
• Ice cream and frozen yogurt
• Frozen meals and entrees

If Food Still Contains Ice Crystals or is Below 40°F (4°C):

If food still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F (4°C) or below, it is generally safe to refreeze or cook. However, some food items might suffer in quality.

General Tips for Food Safety After a Power Outage

Conduct a “Smell Test”

While it’s not always reliable, any unpleasant odor can be a sign that food has spoiled. If something smells off, it's best to discard it.

Examine Food Packaging

Look for signs of spoilage, such as:

• Swelling or punctures in canned goods
• Leaking or damaged packaging

Understand the “When in Doubt, Throw It Out” Principle

If you are unsure whether a food item has been kept at a safe temperature, it's better to err on the side of caution and discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

Keep a Detailed Food Inventory

Maintaining an inventory of the food items in your refrigerator and freezer can help you quickly assess what needs to be discarded and what can be kept.

Use Appliance Thermometers

Installing thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer can help you monitor the temperature and make informed decisions regarding food safety.

Preparedness Tips for Future Power Outages

Keep Freezer Full

A full freezer maintains its temperature longer. If there's too much empty space, consider filling containers with water and freezing them.

Group Foods Together

Grouping foods close together in both the refrigerator and freezer can help them maintain their temperatures longer during a power outage.

Use Coolers

If you anticipate a power outage due to a planned event (e.g., hurricane), prepare coolers with ice packs to store perishable food items temporarily.

Have a Plan for Monitoring Power

If you live in an area prone to outages, consider investing in a generator or battery backup system that can keep your refrigerator and freezer running in the event of a power cut.

Conclusion

The aftermath of a power outage can be challenging, especially when it comes to making decisions about food safety. By understanding the risks involved and applying best practices, you can reduce waste and ensure that your food is safe for consumption. Being prepared and aware of proper food safety guidelines can make dealing with power outages less stressful and more manageable. Always remember that when in doubt, it’s better to throw it out to avoid any potential health risks.