[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/04\/skinny-food-safety\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/04\/skinny-food-safety\/","headline":"The Skinny on Food Safety","name":"The Skinny on Food Safety","description":"Knowing how to handle food after a power outage can help avoid foodborne illness. Learn more about food safety facts, preservation tips, and more.","datePublished":"2014-04-25","dateModified":"2018-08-29","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"http:\/\/www.chp.edu\/our-services\/heart\/cardiology\/adult-congenital-heart-disease-center","name":"Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center","url":"http:\/\/www.chp.edu\/our-services\/heart\/cardiology\/adult-congenital-heart-disease-center","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/adult-congenital-heart-disease-center\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Food-safety.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Food-safety.jpg","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/04\/skinny-food-safety\/","about":["Safety"],"wordCount":556,"keywords":["food safety","foodborne illness","thawed food"],"articleBody":"Power outages occur as a result of storms and other disturbances and often happen more than we would like. These outages are not only inconvenient, but also pose safety issues, especially when it comes to food. Knowing how to handle food after a power outage will help you avoid foodborne illness. Below is a guide to which foods are safe to keep in the refrigerator and freezer after a power outage, and which foods should be thrown out.General Food SafetyIt is a good idea to keep appliance thermometers in the refrigerator and freezer at all times. This allows you to accurately monitor the temperatures of your appliances.When the power goes out, try to find out how long the power is expected to be out. If it is only out for a few hours, open the refrigerator or freezer doors as little as possible to allow the units to maintain their temperatures longer.The threshold for most foods is 40\u00b0F or lower. Bacteria will grow between 40\u00b0F and 140\u00b0F.Throw out any food that has an unusual color, odor, or texture. Never taste foods to determine their safety.Food Safety \u2014 RefrigeratorIf the power is out for more than two hours, you should begin to monitor the temperature of the refrigerator and check every hour after that. Once it reaches 40\u00b0F, place block or dry ice in the refrigerator.Perishable Foods in the RefrigeratorOnce the temperature is above 40\u00b0F for more than two hours, the following perishable foods need to be thrown out:Meat, poultry, seafoodCold cuts and hot dogsMilk, yogurt, cream, sour cream, and casserolesSoft, shredded, and low-fat cheesesEggsFresh cut fruitsPuddings and custardsCreamy salad dressings, fish sauces, opened spaghetti saucesPizza, cooked pasta, pasta salads, and riceRefrigerated biscuits, rolls, and cookie doughCooked vegetables, greens, opened vegetable juiceBaked or mashed potatoes and potato saladRefrigerated Foods that are Safe to KeepFoods that are safe to eat even if kept at 40\u00b0F for more than two hours include:Canned or uncut fresh fruitCanned or fresh vegetablesHard and processed cheeses that are properly wrappedGrated Parmesan and Romano cheesesHerbs and spicesPeanut butter, jelly, ketchup, mustard, relish, and olivesBarbecue, taco, and soy saucesMargarine that is properly wrappedBreads, rolls, muffins, bagels, cakes, pancakes, and wafflesFood Safety \u2014 FreezerThawed or partially thawed food in the freezer can be refrozen safely if it is at 40\u00b0or lower or still contains ice crystals. Thawing and refreezing may affect the quality of some food, but it is safe to eat.Perishable Foods in the FreezerOnce the temperature is above 40\u00b0F or higher, the following foods need to be thrown out:Beef, pork, veal, lamb, and ground meatsPoultry and ground poultryOrgan meats like liver, kidney, heart, and chitterlingsSoups, stews, and casserolesFish, shellfish, and breaded seafood productsFrozen yogurt and ice creamSoft, semi-soft, and shredded cheesesCasseroles and cheesecakeCakes, pies, and pastries with custard or cheese fillingPizza and other convenience foodsFoods that are Safe to RefreezeHard cheesesCommercially packaged fruits and fruit juicesCommercially packaged vegetables and vegetable juicesCakes, breads, and muffins without custard or cheese fillingCommercially packaged and homemade pie crust and bread doughBreakfast items like waffles pancakes and bagels"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"04","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/04\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"The Skinny on Food Safety","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/04\/skinny-food-safety\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]