Power has been out for more than 24 hours for most people and by now you're probably wondering: is the food in my fridge and freezer still good?
You're probably not the only wondering, and that's why the Connecticut Department of Public Health issued a press release with food safety tips during power outages. They advise:
- The refrigerator will keep food at proper temperature for about four hours if the doors are not opened. A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full).
- If the temperature in your refrigerator or freezer goes above 40 degrees, throw away perishable foods such as beef, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, and cut fruits and vegetables.
- Food can be safely refrozen if it still has ice crystals on it or has stayed below 40 degrees.
- As always, if there is any doubt as to the safety of the food, it is best to discard the food rather than take a chance of contracting a foodborne illness.
The bottom line, health officials say: "When in doubt, throw it out!"
