UW-Extension Update
There have been few power outages during the past few months, and they can happen
with little warning. What about the safety of food in refrigerators and freezers
after the power has been out? What if the freezer or refrigerator is disconnected
or fails in some way?
Refrigerators
If there has been a power or a system failure of your refrigerator, avoid opening
the door. Food should be safe for 4 to 6 hours. Bags of ice placed in the
top and bottom of the refrigerator will extend that time considerably. Since the
refrigerator has very efficient insulation, do not remove the food to an
insulated picnic hamper.
Milk, cottage cheese, fresh meat, poultry or fish will begin to deteriorate
as they warm up. After 8 – 12 hour without the addition of ice you will need
to discard these items. Leftover meat, gravy or foods containing meat or eggs
should be discarded after 8 to 12 hours. Both fresh and hard cooked eggs should
be discarded.
Condiments, including ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, soy sauce, steak
sauce, jam, jelly and syrups will be safe. Butter, margarine, hard cheeses and peanut
butter will be safe. Cheese may begin to mold sooner than normal. If you
see mold on the cheese, discard the cheese.
Fresh fruits and vegetables will be usable. Determine their safety by how
they look. Discard anything that has spoiled or that has mold.