Knowledge Base

Food Safety During a Power Outage

Overview

A power outage can affect the safety of refrigerated and frozen food. Knowing how long food stays safe and when to throw it away can help protect you and your family from foodborne illness.

Refrigerated Food Safety

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours if the door stays closed.

Follow these steps:

• Keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible.

• Keep perishable food at 40°F (4°C) or below.

• After four hours without power, discard perishable foods that have been above 40°F (4°C) for two hours or more.

• Perishable foods include meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, milk, dairy products, and leftovers.

• Never taste food to determine if it is safe. When in doubt, throw it out.

Additional resource:

Frozen Food Safety

A freezer can keep food frozen for a limited time if the door stays closed.

• A full freezer can keep food frozen for about 48 hours.

• A half-full freezer can keep food frozen for about 24 hours.

• Food that has thawed may be safe to refreeze if it still contains ice crystals or has a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.

• Refrozen food may lose some quality but can still be safe to eat.

• Never taste food to determine if it is safe.

Additional resource: Download the Electric Outages and Food Safety Flyer.

For more guidance, visit the USDA'S Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency webpage.