Refrigerated Food and Power Outages: When to Save It and When to Throw It Out

As the USDA notes in Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.

After a power outage never taste food to determine its safety. You will have to evaluate each item separately—use this chart as a guide. When in Doubt, Throw it Out!

Download Refrigerated Food During Power Outage Safety Chart

If you are curious about any foods and temperatures, consult the above document from the Food Safety Deparment! Make sure your kitchen appliances are up to this summer’s heat.

Source URL: https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage#refrigerated
Source Agency: Health and Human Services (HHS)