While Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) food inspectors are on the streets ensuring the safety of grocery and convenience store foods, residents can follow some simple steps to keep food safe at home when the power goes out.
The following food safety guidelines can reduce the risk of contracting a foodborne illness during a power outage:
nOnly open refrigerator doors when absolutely necessary.
n A full freezer will keep foods frozen for about two-days if you keep the door closed. If the freezer isn’t full, quickly group the packages together to help keep the items frozen.
nIf power is out for several days. Use dry ice to keep food frozen.
Perishable food (dairy products, eggs, etc.) needs to be stored at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Every hour that perishable foods are kept above that temperature, the risk of contracting foodborne illness rises. Discard anything that appears moldy, has an unusual odor/look to it. Just keep in mind, ‘When in doubt, throw it out.?
Details www.michigan.gov/foodsafety, www.foodsafety.gov, www.fightbac.org, or call the U.S. Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry at (800) 535-4555, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at (888)SAFE-FOOD, or an Michigan State University Extension office.