Did Your Power Go Out From Hurricane Helene? Here's How Long Your Refrigerated Food Can Last
There are a few ways you can save your food from going bad, even if you lose your electricity. Although having nonperishable food items and coolers on hand is always a plus, there are some general rules to follow when deciding what food is still good to eat after being stored in a fridge that has lost power.
Can You Store Food Outside?
For starters, it's important to know that the United States Department of Agriculture does not recommend storing your food outside in the snow as a way to salvage it. This could actually lead to premature thawing and leave the food vulnerable to wild animals even if it still in its packaging. If possible, try to keep your fridge and freezer doors closed for as long as possible because, as the USDA explains, foods can stay cold for up to 48 hours with less exposure to outside temperatures.
How Long Does Food Last In The Fridge Without Power?
Temperature is key when figuring out if your food is still in good shape to eat. Generally, foods like meat, poultry, eggs, condiments like mayonnaise or fish sauce, refrigerated doughs, desserts that contain cream, cheese, milk, and pre-cut fruit and vegetables need to stay at 40 degrees Fahrenheit to stay fresh. Once the temperature of such foods gets any warmer than that for more than two hours, it is likely safer to throw it out than consume it.
There are some foods that can withstand that temperature change, though, including hard cheeses like Parmesan, butter, whole, raw fruits and vegetables, pre-made breads, nut butters, ketchup, and herbs. Of course, shelf-stable foods like canned vegetables, fruits, and meats that do not require certain temperatures for storage are all safe to eat during power outages as well.
What To Do With Frozen Foods When The Power Comes Back
Once your power is restored, evaluate your frozen items. If you still see ice crystals on the food, it is safe to refreeze. Otherwise, you should safely dispose of the food to avoid food poisoning or other adverse reactions that consuming them may cause.
In some areas, exotic wildlife parks will happily accept donations of fruits, vegetables, eggs, and unseasoned meat from your refrigerator for their animals as long as it is not moldy. This can be a helpful way to manage excess food during a power outage and ensure it is put to good use.
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