Be mindful of food safety during power outages

  • Published
  • By 341st Medical Group Public Health Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Knowing how to keep food safe will help minimize the potential loss of food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Always keep meat, poultry, fish and eggs refrigerated at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit and frozen food at or below zero degrees Fahrenheit. This may be difficult when the power is out.

Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain the cold temperature. Refrigerators will keep food cold and safe for about four hours, if left unopened and food will remain safe for consumption if the temperature can be re-established below 41 degrees Fahrenheit within several hours. If food temperature is above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than four to six hours, it is not safe to eat.

Freezers will hold the temperature for approximately 24 hours if kept half full and 48 hours when completely full, as long as the door remains closed. Coolers are great for keeping food cold if the power will be out for more than four hours.

Air Force Global Strike professionals in the Public Health Office recommend each household have more than one cooler on hand, along with frozen gel packs. Keeping items close together will help food stay cold longer when your freezer is not full. Using digital, dial and/or appliance thermometers will indicate if the food is at a safe temperature. Keep appliance thermometers in the refrigerator and freezer at all times, as they will always indicate the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer no matter how long the power has been out.

Remember, the refrigerator temperature should always be at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer at or below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Take the temperature with a food thermometer when unsure if a particular food is cold and safe. Food items may be refrozen if they contain ice crystals or if at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

Evaluate each food item separately. Discard any items in the freezer or refrigerator that have come into contact with raw meat juices. Partial thawing and refreezing may reduce the quality, but the food will remain safe to eat.

Anyone with questions should contact Public Health at 731-4405.