Tips to keep food from spoiling during a power outage

Following recent severe storms that left thousands of Central Texans without power for several hours, a lack of lighting and air conditioning is not the only problem one encounters. Keeping food safe after the refrigerator and freezer shut off is another issue one needs to prepare for amid extreme weather.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says perishable food should be stored at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below to prevent harmful bacteria from forming. Taking extra precautions when the power goes out can help keep food from spoiling and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Below are a few tips to know if the power goes out, according to the FDA:

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. This will ensure the food remains cold for the maximum amount of time. Refrigerators will keep food cold for up to four hours, and freezers will keep their temperature for about 48 hours when full and around 24 hours when half full.
• Use ice. Dry ice, block ice, ice cubes, and frozen containers of water or gel packs can help keep the refrigerator and freezer as cold as possible.
• Freeze refrigerated items. Move refrigerated foods over to the fridge to extend their shelf life. Try to group foods close together in the freezer so it stays cold for longer.
• Use a refrigerator and freezer thermometer. Check it regularly to ensure that the refrigerator temperature is at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer is at or below zero degrees Fahrenheit.
• Keep coolers on hand. If you know the power will be out for more than four hours, transfer refrigerated food to coolers.

If a power outage is expected to occur in your area during a severe weather event, stock your pantry with a few days' worth of ready-to-eat foods that do not require refrigeration, frozen storage, or special preparation. Additionally, know where you can get ice to help keep food cold when there is a loss of power.  

Once the power returns, the FDA says food is safe to cook and can be refrozen if the freezer thermometer reads 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below or if the food still contains ice crystals. If the power was out less than four hours, refrigerated food should be safe as long as the doors had remained closed.

However, if the power remains out for several hours or even for days, certain food groups may no longer be salvageable or safe to consume. According to FoodSafety.gov, food such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, eggs, fresh cut fruit and vegetables, certain types of cheeses, cream-based dressings, and cooked pasta and rice should be discarded if the temperature reaches above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you do not have a thermometer in the freezer or refrigerator, the FDA recommends checking each food package to determine its safety – do not rely on appearance or odor.

Perishable foods that are not kept adequately refrigerated or frozen may cause food poisoning even after they are thoroughly cooked, the FDA adds.

Visit https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage for a full list of food items to keep or discard during or after the power goes out.

Learn more about the FDA’s food safety tips during a power outage by visiting https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-and-water-safety-during-power-outages-and-floods#power