How Long Can Food Stay in the Fridge Without Power? A Comprehensive Guide

Power outages can happen unexpectedly, and one of the immediate concerns for many households is food safety, particularly how long food can safely remain in the refrigerator without power. Understanding the guidelines for food storage during these situations is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses and minimize food waste. This guide provides essential information on how to keep your food safe when the power goes out.

Understanding Food Safety During Power Outages

When the electricity goes out, your refrigerator stops actively cooling, and the temperature inside begins to rise. The crucial factor determining food safety is the internal temperature of your refrigerator and freezer. Bacteria multiply rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C), known as the “danger zone.”

The 4-Hour Rule for Refrigerated Foods

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), refrigerated food is generally safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage, provided the refrigerator door remains closed as much as possible. This is because a refrigerator, when fully functional, is designed to maintain a safe temperature for a short period even without power. However, this timeframe is not indefinite, and careful evaluation is necessary after a power outage.

Factors that can influence how long your food stays safe include:

  • Initial Temperature: How cold was your refrigerator set to before the outage? A colder setting provides a longer buffer.
  • Fullness of Refrigerator: A full refrigerator retains cold temperatures longer than a partially filled one because the mass of the food helps to keep the cold air inside.
  • Room Temperature: In hotter weather, the refrigerator will warm up faster than in cooler conditions.
  • Frequency of Door Openings: Every time the refrigerator door is opened, cold air escapes, and warm air enters, speeding up the warming process.

Refrigerator Food Safety Chart: When to Save and When to Discard

After a power outage, it’s vital to assess each food item individually. Never taste food to determine its safety. When in doubt, it is always safer to discard potentially unsafe food. Use the following guidelines to help you decide what to keep and what to throw away after your refrigerator has been without power for more than 4 hours or if you are unsure of the duration or temperature.

Type of Food Exposed to temperatures above 40°F (4°C) for more than 2 hours
Meat, Poultry, Seafood
Raw or cooked meat, poultry, fish, seafood, soy meat substitutes Discard
Thawing meat or poultry Discard
Meat, tuna, shrimp, chicken, or egg salads Discard
Gravy, stuffing, broth Discard
Lunchmeats, hot dogs, bacon, sausage, dried beef Discard
Pizza with any topping Discard
Canned hams labeled “Keep Refrigerated” Discard
Opened canned meats and fish Discard
Casseroles, soups, stews Discard
Cheese
Soft cheeses (Brie, Camembert, cottage, cream cheese, mozzarella, ricotta) Discard
Hard cheeses (Cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, provolone) Keep
Processed cheeses Keep
Shredded cheeses Discard
Low-fat cheeses Discard
Grated Parmesan/Romano (canned or jar) Keep
Dairy
Milk, cream, sour cream, buttermilk, yogurt, soy milk, eggnog Discard
Butter, margarine Keep
Opened baby formula Discard
Eggs
Fresh shell eggs, hard-cooked eggs, egg dishes, egg products Discard
Custards, puddings, quiche Discard
Fruits
Cut fresh fruits Discard
Uncut fresh fruits Keep
Opened fruit juices Keep
Opened canned fruits Keep
Dried fruits, raisins, dates, candied fruits Keep
Sliced or shredded coconut Discard
Sauces, Spreads, Jams
Opened mayonnaise, tartar sauce, horseradish Discard (if above 50°F (10°C) for more than 8 hrs)
Peanut butter Keep
Jelly, relish, taco sauce, mustard, catsup, olives, pickles Keep
Worcestershire, soy, barbecue, hoisin sauces Keep
Fish sauces, oyster sauce Discard
Opened vinegar-based dressings Keep
Opened creamy-based dressings Discard
Opened spaghetti sauce Discard
Bread, Cakes, Cookies, Pasta, Grains
Bread, rolls, cakes, muffins, tortillas, quick breads Keep
Refrigerator biscuits, rolls, cookie dough Discard
Cooked pasta, rice, potatoes Discard
Pasta salads with mayonnaise or vinaigrette Discard
Fresh pasta Discard
Cheesecake Discard
Breakfast foods (waffles, pancakes, bagels) Keep
Pies and Pastry
Cream-filled pastries Discard
Pies with egg or milk fillings (custard, cheese-filled, chiffon, quiche) Discard
Fruit pies Keep
Vegetables
Cut fresh vegetables Discard
Uncut fresh vegetables Keep
Fresh mushrooms, herbs, spices Keep
Pre-cut, pre-washed, packaged greens Discard
Cooked vegetables Discard
Cooked tofu Discard
Opened vegetable juice Discard
Baked potatoes Discard
Commercial garlic in oil Discard
Potato salad Discard
Casseroles, soups, stews Discard

Freezer Food Safety: Keeping Food Frozen

Download Refrigerated Food During Power Outage Safety Chart

Freezers are more effective at maintaining food safety during power outages than refrigerators. A full freezer can keep food safe for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed. The key is to minimize door openings to preserve the cold temperature.

Food in the freezer may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or feels as cold as if refrigerated. However, the quality of refrozen food, especially fruits and vegetables, may suffer in terms of texture and flavor due to moisture loss.

Download Frozen Food During Power Outage Safety Chart

Type of food Contains ice crystals and feels cold as if refrigerated Exposed to temperatures above 40°F (4°C) for more than 2 hours
Meat, poultry, seafood
Meat, poultry, seafood – all cuts Refreeze Discard
Stews, soups Refreeze Discard
Dairy
Milk Refreeze (texture may change) Discard
Eggs (out of shell) and egg products Refreeze Discard
Ice cream, frozen yogurt Discard Discard
Cheese (soft and semi-soft) Refreeze (texture may change) Discard
Hard cheeses Refreeze Refreeze
Shredded cheeses Refreeze Discard
Cheesecake Refreeze Discard
Fruits
Juices Refreeze Refreeze (discard if mold, yeasty smell, or sliminess)
Home or commercially packaged fruits Refreeze (texture and flavor will change) Refreeze (discard if mold, yeasty smell, or sliminess)
Vegetables
Juices Refreeze Discard after held above 40°F (4°C) for 6 hours
Home or commercially packaged or blanched vegetables Refreeze (texture and flavor may change) Discard after held above 40°F (4°C) for 6 hours
Breads and pastries
Breads, rolls, muffins, cakes (without custard) Refreeze Refreeze
Cakes, pies, pastries with custard or cheese filling Refreeze Discard
Pie crusts, commercial and homemade bread dough Refreeze (some quality loss) Refreeze (considerable quality loss)
Other Foods
Casseroles: pasta, rice-based Refreeze Discard
Flour, cornmeal, nuts Refreeze Refreeze
Breakfast items: waffles, pancakes, bagels Refreeze Refreeze
Frozen meals, entrees, specialty items (pizza, etc.) Refreeze Discard

Tips to Prepare for Power Outages and Food Safety

Being prepared for power outages can significantly reduce food loss and ensure safety:

  • Keep Appliance Thermometers: Have a refrigerator and freezer thermometer to monitor the temperature during a power outage. This will help you determine if your food has remained at safe temperatures.
  • Freeze Water Bottles: Freeze water bottles or ice packs to place in your refrigerator and freezer during an outage to help maintain colder temperatures for longer.
  • Keep Doors Closed: Instruct family members to minimize opening the refrigerator and freezer doors during a power outage.
  • Know Your Power Outage Duration: If possible, find out from your electricity provider how long the outage is expected to last. This will help you make informed decisions about your food.
  • Have a Cooler Ready: In case of prolonged outages, have a cooler and ice ready to transfer essential refrigerated items if needed.

Conclusion

During a power outage, understanding how long food can safely stay in your refrigerator is essential for preventing foodborne illness. Remember the 4-hour rule for refrigerated foods and the 48-hour rule for a full freezer. Always prioritize safety: When in doubt, throw it out. By being prepared and informed, you can navigate power outages safely and minimize food waste.

Download Refrigerated Food During Power Outage Safety Chart
Download Frozen Food During Power Outage Safety Chart

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