The fridge has revolutionized the way society stores food. It allows eatables to be consumed for long periods without getting spoiled. However, a refrigerator works with the help of electricity and stops doing so in case of a power outage. In those circumstances, it is essential to know how long food lasts in the fridge and when it can be consumed without falling ill. Of course, the duration of time that the food will remain edible after a power outage depends on several factors. Read and find out if the food sitting in your fridge after a power cut can be consumed or needs to be thrown out.
Always be ready for an emergency!
Power outages occur when you least expect them. It is better to prepare for such emergencies in advance. One of the ways of doing that is to set the temperature of the refrigerator below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 degrees Celsius. It is advisable to set the temperature of the freezer at 0 degrees or less. Try to invest in a fridge that has a thermometer or use one if you do not have an in-built one.
Which foods should be discarded in case of a power outage?
Certain food products will last longer than others. After a power outage of four hours, some food products that become unfit for consumption include milk, cheese, meat, eggs, seafood, salads, pizza, and cooked leftovers. Other items that should be discarded if exposed to temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for four hours or more are cakes, pies, pastries, frozen meals, juices, cooked pasta, and fish sauces.
What can be safely consumed after a power cut?
There are several items that remain safe to eat even after a few hours of no electricity. A few food items that fall under this category are butter, margarine, dried fruits, fresh whole fruits, peanut butter, butter and rolls, packed items, and raw vegetables. Even though these are general recommendations, you should always use your discretion to determine whether any food product can be consumed or not. If it does not taste right, discard it right away.
What about frozen foods? Can they be eaten?
Just like other products, some frozen food items can be consumed whereas others cannot. After a power cut of more than two hours, the frozen foods that should be discarded are dairy products, meat, poultry, seafood, and other frozen specialty items like pizza, meat pie, biscuits, and sausage.
Some tips for storing your food safely when there’s no electricity!
Although you will have to discard certain food items when there is a blackout, a few tips will ensure that other things remain safe for consumption. Some of these are:
- Trying to avoid opening the refrigerator door unless it’s necessary.
- Freezing water bottles and ensuring your freezer has extra ice.
- Transferring food items that aren’t needed immediately to the freezer.
- Storing all your frozen food together inside the fridge.
These are the answers and tips to the question: how long food lasts after a power outage? Remembering the above tips will help you follow healthy food practices and keep you safe from falling ill.