December 10, 2007
Contact:
Lisa Taylor
Director of Communications
Kansas Department of Agriculture
(785) 296-2653
ltaylor@kda.state.ks.us
Consumers need to remember food safety when the power is out
TOPEKA - Kansans who may experience power outages due to winter storms should assess the safety of their refrigerated and frozen foods before consuming them.
"A closed refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about four hours and a freezer for about 48 hours," said Steve Moris, food safety manager with the Kansas Department of Agriculture. "Even with frigid conditions, consumers really should check their refrigerated and frozen foods before consuming them."
Refrigerated food should be safe as long as its temperature has not been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more. Frozen foods are safe and can be refrozen if the temperature of the food did not exceed 40 degrees. If a frozen food still has ice crystals in its package, its temperature did not rise above 40 degrees.
When perishable foods like meat, poultry, seafood, milk, eggs and cooked vegetables are not properly refrigerated or frozen, they can cause illness to those who consume them, even if thoroughly cooked.
"If a consumer is in doubt, it's best to throw the food out," Moris said.
Moris also said Kansans should always prepare for emergencies by keeping adequate amounts of water and appropriate foods on hand.
"Anything that doesn't require refrigeration and can be eaten cold is best," Moris said. "Shelf-stable food, boxed or canned milk, and canned goods should be staples in any emergency food supply, as well as one gallon of water per person per day."
The Kansas Department of Agriculture offers food safety guidance to consumers in its brochure Emergency: Is Your Food Safe.
Food manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers who experience power outages are encouraged to seek food safety guidance from the Kansas Department of Agriculture's food safety program at (785) 296-3511.