Tips and Advice
Tips and Advice
What to do with refrigerator food if it spoils?
By Gretel Morales - 2024-05-13T10:59:59Z
If you have ever experienced a power outage or been without electricity for hours or even days, you know that one of the main concerns is the food in the refrigerator. On one hand, we must avoid waste at all costs, but it is also not advisable to consume spoiled food, so today we will tell you what to do with refrigerator food if the power goes out.
Remember that there are different factors to consider when there is a power outage or the electricity goes out for several hours, as some foods will withstand without any problem, while you will have to throw others away. Here we explain what you should do when the power goes out!
You can also read: What to do with food when it has mold?
How long does food last in the refrigerator?
Once the electricity goes out and the refrigerator shuts down, you must follow certain recommendations to prevent food from spoiling. It is also important to take preventive measures and be aware that there are foods that cannot be left unrefrigerated.
How long does the refrigerator stay cold?
According to CDC experts, it is essential to keep the refrigerator and freezer doors completely closed. This way, the appliance will stay cold for a longer time.
On the other hand, health authorities indicate that if the refrigerator or freezer doors remain closed, food will be safe for a certain time:
- Refrigerator: 4 hours
- Full freezer: 48 hours
- Half-full freezer: 24 hours
If 4 hours pass and the electricity has not returned, you should put the refrigerator food in a cooler with ice. Remember, food must be kept at a temperature of 4.4 °C.
What foods to throw away after a power outage?
If after the power cut the electricity comes back, but you did not keep the refrigerator doors closed or put the food in a cooler, you will likely have to throw several things in the trash. Here we explain why.
As you well know, keeping food refrigerated extends its shelf life, keeps it fresh, and prevents the proliferation of bacteria and fungi. There are cases where, if food is not at a temperature of 4 °C or less, it will start to spoil and if consumed, you could get sick.
Next, we share the list of foods you should discard if they thaw or have a temperature above 4 °C for more than two hours, according to the Food Safety website:
- Red meat
- Chicken
- Seafood
- Cold cuts
- Bacon
- Pizza
- Stews
- Soups
- Broths
- Salads with animal protein
- Canned animal protein
- Soft cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, fresh cheese, mozzarella, and Brie, among others
- Shredded cheese
- Low-fat cheese
- Milk
- Cream
- Yogurt
- Condensed milk
- Plant-based milk
- Opened baby formula
- Eggs
- Cut fruit
- Mayonnaise
- Rice
- Pasta
- Cooked potatoes
- Cooked vegetables
- Washed leafy greens
- Cooked vegetables
On the other hand, the foods that you can still keep even after a power outage, even if they have been at a temperature above 4 °C, are:
- Aged cheeses like Parmesan, provolone, Cheddar, Swiss, and more.
- Processed cheese
- Butter and margarine
- Fresh, uncut fruit
- Fruit juice
- Canned fruit
- Dried fruit
- Peanut butter
- Gelatin
- Hot sauce
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Olives
- Pickles
- Soy sauce
- Vinaigrettes
- Bread
- Tortillas
- Uncut vegetables
- Mushrooms
- Herbs
What you should have in your kitchen in case of a power outage
The CDC recommends taking certain precautions so that when you face a power outage or the electricity goes out for several hours, you don’t have to throw anything in the trash.
1. Invest in a refrigerator and freezer thermometer
This way you will know if the food is safe during or after a power outage.
2. Buy a cooler
There are options for every budget. You can buy a styrofoam one, a fabric one, or a higher quality one, depending on your budget.
3. Keep ice in the freezer
Besides having a cooler handy, it’s important to always have ice in your freezer. This ensures that all food stays at the ideal temperature.
In addition to ice cubes, you can also fill water bottles and freeze them to keep food cold. Gel packs that you can freeze also work well.
Kiwilimon tip: Health experts indicate that if you are unsure whether something is spoiled, you should throw it away if it gives off a strange odor or looks different. It is never advisable to taste something to determine if it is still good.
Now that you know what to do with refrigerator food when there is a power outage or the electricity goes out for several hours, don't hesitate to put these tips to the test, as they will help you take care of your health and that of your loved ones.
