Food Safety During a Power Outage: What You Need to Know

The most common question we receive during extended outages is, "How do I keep food safe during a power outage?".

To help answer that question, we partnered with the Middlesex-London Health Unit to share practical tips for safely managing food when the power's out.

Here are a few key reminders:

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A closed refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours, while a full freezer can maintain a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it's half full).
• When in doubt, throw it out. If you're unsure whether refrigerated food has remained at a safe temperature, it's safest not to eat it.
• Use a probe thermometer to check the temperature. Food should be kept at 4°C (40°F) or below to remain safe.
• Add Ice. Ice packs or coolers filled with ice can help keep essential foods cold during longer outages.

Power outages can happen unexpectedly, but knowing how to protect the food in your home can help prevent foodborne illness and reduce unnecessary waste.

Watch our video with the Middlesex-London Health Unit to learn more about safe food storage during a power outage and be prepared before the next outage occurs.