Food Safety Important During Power Outages

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Power outages continue to plague parts of the Hudson Valley, in the wake of Monday's heavy rain and fierce winds. That, combined with stocking up on food to get through the stay-at-home order, means you will need to check food left in refrigerators and freezers.

Bacteria can easily grow in many foods at temperatures above 41 degrees Fahrenheit and make you or family members ill, health officials warn.

Here are some general guidelines from the New York State Department of Health:

• Foods such as eggs, milk, meats, chicken, seafood, cooked leftovers, gravies, soups or products with these ingredients, must be discarded if temperatures exceeded 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 2 hours.
• Other foods such as fruits, vegetables, juices, cheeses and condiments may be stored above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended time. Check appearance, odor, texture and color before eating.
• For frozen foods, if the freezer thermometer reads 40° F or below, the food is safe and may be refrozen. (If there is no thermometer in the freezer, check each package of food to determine its safety. Don't rely on appearance or odor. If the food still contains ice crystals, it is safe to refreeze or cook.) Refreezing may cause a loss in nutrition, taste or quality.
• Frozen foods that have completely thawed and have been warmed to temperatures above 41 degrees Fahrenheit should be discarded.

The motto to remember is: "WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT."

Residents can visit www.fda.gov for more information about food safety following a power outage.

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