Food Safety Tips Minnesotans Should Know During A Power Outage

I always get worried about what to do with my perishable food during power outages. You never really know how long the power will be out during a severe thunderstorm. In Minnesota, the weather can sometimes be extremely unpredictable. Don't ruin your summer by eating bad food.

1. Know the temperature of your fridge and freezer. It's always a good idea to put an appliance thermometer inside your refrigerator and your freezer. The temperature inside of your fridge should be 40 degrees or less and your freezer should always be at zero or less.

2. Leave the fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Items inside of your fridge will stay cold for about four hours after the fridge is turned off as long as the door stays closed. If you have a full freezer, it will keep for up to 48 hours after the outage. If it's only half full, it will keep for half of the time.

3. Take the temperature of your fridge and freezer immediately after the power comes back on. Once the power comes back on, make sure to check the temperature of your fridge and freezer. Throw away any food in the fridge that has been at 40 degrees or above for longer than four hours. If there's food in the freezer that seems to have thawed, it is safe to eat as long as there is still ice crystals on the package.

I live by the motto: "when in doubt, throw it out."

(FoodSafty.gov)