If you’re experiencing a power outage, some refrigerated or frozen foods may still be safe to eat. Keep your food safe to prevent foodborne illness. The health risk is higher for pregnant people and young children.
How do I keep food safe during a power outage?
- Keep appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer and keep the doors closed.
- Most refrigerated foods will stay cold for about four hours.
- A full freezer will keep most food frozen for two days, and a half-full freezer will keep them frozen for one day.
How should I store breastmilk or formula?
- Pumped breastmilk can be refrigerated for up to four days or stored at room temperature for four hours.
- Infant formula can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours and should be used within two hours of taking it out of the refrigerator.
When is my food safe to eat?
Use appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer to know that your food is safe to eat. Your food is safe if:
- Your refrigerator temperature is at or below forty degrees Fahrenheit
- Your freezer temperature is at or below zero degrees Fahrenheit
When should I throw out my food?
Never taste food to decide if it is safe to eat. When in doubt, throw it out! Throw food out when:
- The temperature inside your refrigerator is above forty degrees Fahrenheit for four hours or more.
- Perishable food such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, or leftovers has been inside the refrigerator for four hours without power.
- Food has an unusual odor, color, or texture.
