Advice for keeping food safe to eat during a power outage
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By Deena Centofanti Fox 2 News Health Reporter
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -- Let's say you've lost power. How do you know if you're food is safe to eat? Don't taste it. Instead, follow these rules from the Department of Agriculture.
Keep the refrigerator and freezer door closed as much as possible. That will keep food safely cold for about four hours if the door is unopened.
A full freezer will hold its temperature for about 48 hours, or about 24 hours if it is half full, and the door stays closed.
Remember you can get block ice to keep your refrigerator and freezer as cold as possible.
If the power stays out for several days, check the temperature of the freezer with an appliance or food thermometer. If food still contains ice crystals or it is at 40 degrees or below, it is safe.
Throw away refrigerated perishables like meat, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers and deli items after four hours without power.
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