Food Safety During a Power Outage: What to Keep and Discard

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed

During a power outage, keeping doors closed helps preserve cold temperatures. FoodSafety.gov says an unopened refrigerator can keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer may hold its temperature for about 48 hours, or 24 hours if half full, when the door stays closed. These are estimates; actual conditions and starting temperatures matter.

Check the temperature and exposure

Use an appliance thermometer if available. Perishable food that has been above 40°F (4°C) for two hours or more should generally be discarded. Never taste food to decide whether it is safe; harmful bacteria may not change its smell, appearance, or flavor. If food still contains ice crystals or is 40°F or colder, it may be refrozen, though quality can decline.

What to do when uncertain

Discard meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, cooked leftovers, and other perishable foods if you cannot determine that they stayed cold. Keep medicines separate and follow their storage instructions from a pharmacist or manufacturer. People at higher risk from foodborne illness should be especially cautious.

A cooler with ice can help if you can maintain food at 40°F or below. Do not put food outdoors in snow or cold weather; temperatures fluctuate and animals or contamination can be a concern.

See FoodSafety.gov: Food Safety During a Power Outage for the full chart and current recommendations.

Health disclaimer

This article is for general education only. Its information and suggestions are not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and may not be right for everyone. Ask a qualified health professional for advice that fits your health, medications, and needs before changing your diet, exercise, supplement use, or care.

Sources and further reading

• Food Safety During a Power Outage — FoodSafety.gov.