How long can refrigerated food stay safe during a power outage?
During a power outage, refrigerated food will only stay safe for up to four hours. Frozen foods can be kept up to 48 hours in a full freezer or up to 24 hours if the freezer is half full.
If there is a power outage, it is important to monitor the time and ensure that refrigerated food is consumed within four hours. After this time, it is recommended to throw out any refrigerated food to avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses.
What should be done with refrigerated food after four hours without power?
If refrigerated food has been without power for more than four hours, it is advised to throw it out. This is because the food may not be safe to eat due to potential bacterial growth. Any perishable items such as meat, dairy, or leftovers should be discarded to prevent the risk of foodborne illnesses.
It is important to prioritize food safety and not take any chances with potentially contaminated food. While it may be disappointing to throw out food, it is better to err on the side of caution and protect one’s health.
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