Winter weather can cause a variety of issues, including a loss of power.
And if you may lose power, you may be wondering if power was out too long — and if the food in your refrigerator is still safe to eat.
Of course, when in doubt, experts advise it is safer to throw it out. Officials also advise against tasting food to determine if the food is OK. When the refrigerator door is left shut, and power is only out for a few hours, chances are your food is OK.
How long can food stay in fridge without power?
A refrigerator should keep food cold for six hours and a half-full freezer for 24 hours (48 hours if the freezer is full) if you don’t open the doors, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Foods to toss
Bacteria growth can take place in these foods that have been above 40 degrees for two hours or more. Discard the following if your refrigerator has been without power for more than four hours:
Foods to keep
How to clean
Once the power is restored, here’s how to care for the inside of your refrigerator or freezer and rid them of any odors.
Here’s what to do if there is still an odor
The USDA’s Meat and Poultry hotline, 888-674-6854, is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: How long is food good in freezer without power? Texas storm guide
Reporting by Staff reports / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
