As winter storms sweep through the country, keeping our food safe is crucial. When the power goes out, our refrigerator can become a risk instead of a protector. USDA experts like Rod Bain and Meredith Carothers remind us of the simple rules we need to follow during these times.
Know the Danger Zone
Temperature is key in food safety. The critical number is 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If your fridge’s temperature climbs above this, you’re in the danger zone. Carothers emphasizes that food must remain below this temperature to stay safe.
Four Hours to Act
When the power goes out, your refrigerator can keep food safe for about four hours—if you keep the door shut. As time ticks by, it’s important to decide your next steps.
- If you have a cooler and ice, move your food there before hitting the four-hour mark.
- If you can’t get a cooler, be aware that after four hours, certain perishable foods need to be thrown out.
What to Save and What to Toss
Different foods react differently to warmer temperatures. Carothers lists the foods that need to go after four hours:
- Meat & Poultry: Raw poultry and meat are big risks.
- Leftovers: Any cooked food goes here.
- Dairy: This includes milk, soft cheeses, and eggs.
- Produce: Cut fruits, veggies, and cooked greens should be tossed.
On the other hand, whole fruits, hard cheeses, and condiments like mustard and ketchup can usually be kept longer without worry.
The Freezer Advantage
Freezers are much better at keeping food safe. They can stay cold for much longer because of the frozen food inside.
- A full freezer can maintain safe temperatures for about 48 hours.
- A half-full freezer stays safe for around 24 hours.
The more food unpacked, the longer it stays cold.
Avoid the Outdoor Myth
In freezing conditions, some try to save their perishables by placing them outside. However, the USDA warns against this. Outdoor temperatures can be unpredictable. Sunlight can warm food, even if it’s cold outside. Plus, food can become contaminated by animals or bacteria lurking around.
Quick Food Safety Recap
Here’s a simple summary of how long different appliances can keep food safe:
- Refrigerator: ~4 Hours (Door Closed)
- Freezer (Full): ~48 Hours
- Freezer (Half-Full): ~24 Hours
Understanding these guidelines can save your food and prevent foodborne illnesses during winter outages. Stay safe and keep your food secure!
For more information on food safety during power outages, check out the USDA’s guidelines here.
