Food safety during and after a power outage: Keep it or toss it out?

Food safety can be a major concern for people during a power outage. There are several things to do in advance and tips to follow after power is restored.

With the April 2014 Midwest span of spring storms, power outages have become common. Michigan State University Extension advises consumers that food safety can be a major concern for people during an outage, especially when the electric company can’t give you an estimated time for when the power will be back on. The following are suggestions for advanced preparation to help keep food safe in case of a power outage:

  • Make sure your appliances have thermometers; it is the best way to ensure your food is safe in case there is a power outage. Temperatures are considered safe if they are 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower in the refrigerator or zero degree or lower in the freezer.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends the following tips to follow:

    • The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours if it is unopened.

Once power is restored you will need to determine the safety of your food. Here's how:

  • If an appliance thermometer was kept in the freezer, check the temperature when the power comes back on. If the freezer thermometer reads 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, the food is safe and may be refrozen.
  • If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, check each package of food to determine its safety. You can't rely on appearance or odor. If the food still contains ice crystals or is degrees Fahrenheit or below, it is safe to refreeze or cook.

Keep in mind that perishable food such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk and eggs that are not kept adequately refrigerated or frozen may cause a foodborne illness if consumed, even when they are thoroughly cooked. Following these guidelines can help ensure that no one will become sick from tainted foods.

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