Throw away any perishable food (meat, dairy, eggs, and leftovers) kept above 4 ∘ C ( 40 ∘ F) for more than 4 hours. Never taste food to check for spoilage; follow the rule: "when in doubt, throw it out".
Steps to take after a power outage
When in doubt, throw it out. Throw out perishable food in your refrigerator (meat, fish, cut fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, and leftovers) after 4 hours without power or without a cold source like ice. Throw out any food with an unusual smell, color, or texture.
Non-profit organisation Love Food, Hate Waste recommends the 2:2:2 rule. Two hours to get them in the fridge. Two days to eat them once they're in there. Or freeze them for up to two months.
Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed. If the doors stay closed, food will remain safe for 4 hours in a refrigerator, 48 hours in a full freezer and 24 hours in a half freezer. After 4 hours put refrigerated food in a cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs.
Use thermometers and keep freezers full to stay cold longer. Eat meat, dairy, and leftovers first since they spoil fastest. If unsure about food safety, throw it out.
What foods should not be refrigerated?
After four hours without power or a cold source like dry ice, throw out perishable foods. This includes vegetables, cut fruit, meat, fish, milk, eggs, and leftovers.
Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers, and deli items after 4 hours without power or 2 hours after the temperature rises above 41 °F. At any time, discard spoiled, moldy food and anything that does not look or smell right.
Frozen Food and Power Outages: When to Save It and When to Throw It Out. A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed).
Many foods don't expire as quickly as you think and are more about quality than safety. Storing pantry staples like bottled water and canned goods in cool, dark places can ensure longer freshness. Some items, like honey and sugar, can last almost indefinitely if stored correctly.
Food which has been displayed for less than four hours can be put back in the fridge and kept at 8°C or below until it is used. If it has been out for more than four hours it must be thrown away. If you do take food out of chilled storage to display it, remove a small amount at a time.
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If your toilet or sewage system isn't electric-powered, you can probably flush the toilet as needed. But do keep in mind that the water supply may still be limited. So, if your tank doesn't refill, pour about ¾ gallon of water from a sink or tub into your toilet bowl to assist the flush.
Discard any refrigerated perishable food (such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, eggs, or leftovers) that has been at refrigerator temperatures above 40°F for 4 hours or more.
The effects of thawing and refreezing meat. Refreezing meat can be done safely, but the quality of the meat may be affected. For example, freezing and thawing meat more than one time might cause color and odor changes, moisture loss, and increased oxidation of its fat and protein ( 3, 4, 5, 6).
If your power goes out, your refrigerator and freezer can keep food cold, but only for limited periods and only if you keep the doors closed. According to food safety authorities: A refrigerator stays at a safe temperature for up to 4 hours. A full freezer maintains safe temperatures for 48 hours.
Use thermometers and keep freezers full to stay cold longer. Eat meat, dairy, and leftovers first since they spoil fastest. If unsure about food safety, throw it out.
10 Foods That Spoil the Fastest, Plus Tips to Help Them Last...
Onions, garlic, cabbage, carrots, hard squash, potatoes, and citrus all go a week or more. Don't write off tomatoes and peppers either — bought at the right stage of ripeness, they hold up much longer than most people expect. Eggs are an asset. Many people assume eggs are off the table without refrigeration.
Protein: Canned meats and fish like chicken, tuna or salmon, dried or canned beans, peas and lentils, nut butter, nuts and seeds, dried meat. Grains: Rice and pasta, breads like English muffins, bagels, etc., cereal and oats or oatmeal, tortillas, whole-grain crackers, granola bars.
"As the USDA notes in Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power."