Lorraine Williamson
Power outages can disrupt food storage and raise concerns about food safety. In Spain, the recent power cut has left many questioning which items in their fridge or freezer should be thrown out.
The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) has issued clear recommendations on how to handle food during such events, offering guidance on how to assess food for safety without relying on its appearance or smell.
Understanding the impact of power cuts on food
When a power cut occurs, the most critical factor is the temperature of food. The longer food stays without refrigeration or freezing, the greater the risk of it reaching unsafe temperatures. AESAN suggests that food should not be tested by taste or smell, as this may not always be a reliable indicator of safety. The key factor is how long the food has been exposed to warmer conditions.
How to handle fridge items after a power outage
Short Outages (Less than 4 hours)
If the power cut lasts less than four hours, your fridge should be able to keep food below 5°C, making it generally safe to consume. In such cases, no food should need to be discarded.
Longer Outages (More than 4 hours)
If the outage lasts longer than four hours, temperatures in the fridge may exceed 5°C, making some foods unsafe. Perishable items like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, and leftovers should be discarded. Even if these items are cooked thoroughly, they can cause foodborne illnesses if not stored at the correct temperature. Additionally, such foods may pose a risk of cross-contamination to other items.
Whole fruits and vegetables typically do not require refrigeration and may remain safe if they still appear fresh. However, cut fruits, vegetables, and prepared salads should be thrown away, just like other perishable items.
Certain non-perishable items that are often stored in the fridge, such as soft drinks, canned goods, alcoholic beverages, and chocolate, can be safely consumed after a power cut. These products do not need to be refrigerated and should be fine outside the cold environment.
Handling freezer items during power cuts
Freezers can maintain freezing temperatures for 24 to 48 hours if the doors remain closed. If foods have not fully thawed and still contain ice crystals or feel cold, they can be safely refrozen. If a power cut is expected to last longer than 24 hours, it’s essential to check whether the food has thawed. And if the food has thawed but remains below 5°C, it can still be consumed on the same day. However, if the food has been thawed and is no longer cold, it should be discarded.
What to do with uncertain items
If you are unsure whether food has been exposed to unsafe temperatures or how long it has been without power, the safest option is to throw it away. This is particularly important for items that are no longer cold to the touch. Basically – if in doubt – throw it out!