How to Know if Healthy Frozen Foods Can be Safely Eaten After a Power Outage
Remember about sanitation during this wild winter climate. This is the very thing government authorities believe that you should be aware of so you can avoid foodborne sickness. Healthy frozen foods are a good and better choice.
With perfect timing for Hanukkah and impending Christmas celebrations, Mother earth is entering the talk and is certainly spreading the word about herself this week. As per the Public Weather conditions Administration, a “hazardous icy episode” is probably going to influence the greater part of the lower 4 states. Cold temperatures and “perilous breeze chills” are supposed to join snow or freezing precipitation in many pieces of the nation making venture-out testing unthinkable. While whipping breezes meet that precipitation — particularly the frosty downpour — power may be in danger, as well.
So in light of that, and with temps as low as – 70° F (!) conceivable in pieces of the U.S., it’s a great opportunity to perhaps look out for a way to improve on your closest warming areas. (Search “warming focuses close to me” for neighborhood assets.) It’s likewise a great chance to revive your sanitation information in case of a blackout.
Instructions to Be aware Assuming Frozen Food Is Protected to Eat In the wake of Losing Power
If you keep the entryway shut, a completely supplied cooler ought to remain at a protected temperature for around 4 hours, the Branch of Health and Human Services (HHS) says. A half-full cooler ought to be ok for roughly 4 hours without power.
Numerous healthy frozen food varieties and beverages ought to be A-alright to refreeze on the off chance that they’re kept between 0° F (cooler temp) and 40° F (cooler temp), even though they could lose some quality simultaneously.
Assuming healthy frozen food has been permitted to balance out above 40° F for over hours, the Division of Wellbeing and Human Administrations (HHS) suggests disposing of meats, meals, stews, pizzas, eggs, and prepared merchandise with custard or cheddar.
Keep the Freezer Door Closed:
During a power outage, it’s crucial to keep the freezer door closed as much as possible. A full freezer can typically keep food frozen for about 4 hours, while a half-full freezer may provide about 4 hours of preservation. By minimizing the frequency and duration of door openings, you maximize the chances of preserving the frozen food’s quality and safety.
Monitor the Duration of the Power Outage:
Take note of the duration of the power outage. If the power is restored within a few hours, the chances of the food remaining frozen and safe to eat are high. However, for longer power outages, additional measures need to be taken to assess the safety of the frozen food.
Inspect the Condition of the Food:
Carefully inspect the frozen food items for any visible signs of thawing, such as noticeable ice crystals or liquids in the packaging. If the food appears partially or fully thawed, it is advisable to discard it, as bacterial growth may have occurred during the power outage.
Use the Smell and Texture Test:
For food items that still appear frozen, use your senses to further evaluate their safety. If there are no visible signs of thawing, but you are unsure about the food’s quality, rely on your sense of smell. If the food emits an unusual or foul odor, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard it. Additionally, if the texture of the food has changed significantly, becoming mushy or slimy, it is an indication that it may have spoiled.
Follow FDA Guidelines:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides guidelines on food safety during power outages. It is recommended to refer to these guidelines for specific instructions and recommendations based on the type of food items stored in your freezer. Certain foods, such as meat, seafood, and dairy products, may be more susceptible to bacterial growth and require stricter evaluation and disposal.
When in Doubt, Discard:
If you are unsure about the safety of any frozen food item after a power outage, it is always safer to discard it. Consuming spoiled or potentially contaminated food can lead to foodborne illnesses. It’s better to prioritize your health and well-being by erring on the side of caution.
HHS sanitation specialists affirm that you ought to be protected to refreeze the accompanying things, and dispose of the rest:
- Hard cheeses
- Natural product juices
- Bread, rolls, biscuits, cakes, waffles, flapjacks, and bagels
- Pie outsides (albeit “quality misfortune is significant”)
- Flour
- Cornmeal
- Nuts
The Bottom Line:
On the off chance that healthy frozen food sources are saved between 0° F and 40° F for a brief time frame, a few things are protected to refreeze and devour later. Throw any food with a weird scent, surface, or variety, the CDC suggests, and “never taste food to decide its security,” the HHS cautions. On the off chance that you feel a little doubtful with regards to whether it’s still great, it’s ideal to toss it out and restock it new.
As you do as such, look at our manual for the best dietitian-supported healthy frozen food varieties to have available for quick and nutritious feasts.