cheryl
Administrator
Staff member
How to avoid food spoilage if there's a power outage - VC Star
If you know that your power will be off for more than a couple of hours and you are concerned about food spoilage, here are a few things you should know:
According to Betty Huff, manager of the Community Services Section of the Ventura County Environmental Health Division, food that defrosts but stays at or below 41 degrees is likely to be safe. For comparison, regulations allow restaurants to keep food for up to two hours out of a refrigerator during “diligent preparation,” and then restaurant staff can return it to a refrigerator and serve it.
The type of food is also relevant. Butter, for example, can last longer without refrigeration. Prepared meat and dairy dishes may spoil quickly.
If you know that your power will be off for more than a couple of hours and you are concerned about food spoilage, here are a few things you should know:
According to Betty Huff, manager of the Community Services Section of the Ventura County Environmental Health Division, food that defrosts but stays at or below 41 degrees is likely to be safe. For comparison, regulations allow restaurants to keep food for up to two hours out of a refrigerator during “diligent preparation,” and then restaurant staff can return it to a refrigerator and serve it.
The type of food is also relevant. Butter, for example, can last longer without refrigeration. Prepared meat and dairy dishes may spoil quickly.