A major storm swept through western Washington, leaving behind a trail of widespread damage. Strong winds and heavy rain battered the region, resulting in widespread power outages and the tragic downing of trees that claimed at least one life. In the aftermath of this bomb cyclone, which left more than 600,000 people in Washington state without power, the United States Department of Agriculture has stepped in to remind citizens of the critical importance of food safety measures.

Protect Your Food and Health During Power Outages with USDA Guidelines

How long will food last in a refrigerator without power?

The USDA advises that a refrigerator can keep food cold and safe for consumption for up to four hours if the door remains unopened. It is crucial for residents to minimize the frequency of opening the refrigerator to maintain the internal temperature. After four hours without electricity, perishable foods such as meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers should be discarded without hesitation. Tasting food to determine its safety is not a reliable method as it does not provide an accurate assessment of whether foodborne bacteria have grown to unsafe levels. Instead, residents should refer to the detailed chart provided by the USDA for evaluating each food item. The overarching rule is clear: "When in Doubt, Throw it Out!"

Imagine a home fridge with several groceries inside. Keeping these perishables safe during a power outage is of utmost importance. The USDA's guidelines give us a clear understanding of how long we can rely on our refrigerators to keep our food fresh.

During a power outage, every minute counts. Opening the refrigerator door too often can cause the internal temperature to rise rapidly, endangering the safety of the food. By following the USDA's advice and minimizing door openings, we can give our food a better chance of remaining safe.

What should I throw out of the freezer after a power outage?

For those with freezers, the USDA guidelines offer a bit more flexibility. A fully-stocked freezer can maintain its temperature for about 48 hours, but if it is only half full, that time is reduced to approximately 24 hours, assuming the door remains closed. If there are still ice crystals in the food or if it has remained at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, it can generally be safely refrozen. However, it's important to note that the quality of the food may deteriorate.

Picture a freezer filled with various frozen items. During a power outage, it's essential to know which foods can be safely refrozen and which ones may need to be discarded. The USDA's guidelines provide a valuable reference to help us make these decisions.

After a power outage, it's a delicate balance between preserving food and ensuring food safety. By following the USDA's recommendations, we can minimize waste while protecting ourselves and our families from potential foodborne illnesses.

The food safety advisory comes at a time when many households are dealing with the aftermath of the power outages caused by the recent severe weather event. The USDA emphasizes the importance of these precautions in preventing foodborne illnesses, which can be a significant concern during power outages and natural disasters. Residents in the affected areas are urged to review the USDA's safety chart for specific foods and to prioritize safety when deciding what food to keep. Remembering these guidelines can help prevent unnecessary waste while protecting public health during these challenging times.