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How long does refrigerator food stay fresh once power is out?

The last thing you need after going through a weather emergency is a case of food poisoning. Once the power goes out, perishable food doesn't last as long was you might think.

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RALEIGH, N.C. — The last thing you need after going through a weather emergency is a case of food poisoning. Once the power goes out, perishable food doesn't last as long was you might think.

Here are some tips from the Food and Drug Administration:

  • Air temperature in your refrigerator should be set to 40 degrees or below and in the freezer it should be zero or below. If you have an appliance thermometer to keep track, use it.
  • The key to making your food last as long as possible is keeping the doors closed. An unopened fridge will keep food cold for only about four hours. A fully stocked freezer with foods grouped together should stay cold for about 48 hours and only 24 hours if it isn't full.
  • When the power return, if the freezer temperature is 40 degrees or below or if the foods still have ice crystals, you can safely refreeze or cook the food.
  • When it goes to the fridge, if the power was off for more than four hours, the FDA says to throw out all perishable foods, including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy (including milk and yogurt), soft cheeses, creamy condiments, cut fruits, pre-washed greens, cooked veggies and any leftovers.
  • You can keep butter, margarine, hard cheeses, jellies, ketchup, mustard, pickles, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, vinegar based dressings, breads including tortillas and bagels and raw veggies.
  • Do not depend on smell or taste to determine if the food is safe, cooking it won't help. If there's any doubt, throw it out!

Before a tropical storm or hurricane where power could go out, you can do a few things in advance to help keep foods colder longer like freezing containers of ice to use in coolers or thaw out to use as drinking water. Also freezing refrigerated items that you don't need immediately, including extra milk.

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