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If a power outage lasts only a few minutes, it seems to have no impact on the quality of food in the fridge. However, when power interruptions persist for hours or days, how long can the refrigerator keep food cold? Let's explore together!
For how long does a refrigerator provide sufficient cooling for food during a power outage?
Improper storage or failure to keep food cool in the refrigerator can lead to health issues for consumers. Elevated temperatures create favorable conditions for the rapid growth of bacteria and mold, causing food to spoil and necessitating disposal.
A refrigerator can safely preserve food for up to 4 hours during a power outage (with the door tightly closed).
In the absence of electricity, the refrigerator's cool compartment can maintain a safe temperature for a maximum of 4 hours (with the door closed), according to Dr. Tamika Sims, a Ph.D. and member of the International Food Information Council. Meanwhile, food in the freezer compartment can stay cold longer, approximately one day if half-filled with ice and about 48 hours if fully loaded. In reality, the more food stored, the longer the cooling retention.
Even during a power outage, users should refrain from frequently opening the refrigerator to check on food. Opening the door increases the temperature rapidly, causing food to spoil in a short period. Therefore, both the refrigerator and freezer doors need to be tightly closed during power outages to maintain a cold temperature, as recommended by Dr. Sims.
When does food in the refrigerator start to spoil?
Users can use the refrigerator and freezer thermometers to determine if food is still usable during a power outage. According to Dr. Sims, the safe temperature is around 4 degrees Celsius for the refrigerated compartment and below -17 degrees Celsius for the freezer. Use a thermometer to measure food temperature if the fridge lacks one.
People can use the refrigerator thermometer to determine the suitability of food.
Food in the freezer must be below 4 degrees Celsius before refreezing or preparing it anew for safety. If meat, eggs, or other items are above 4 degrees Celsius for more than two hours, it's best not to consume them. Checking the actual temperature in the fridge is the most crucial step in determining the food's viability, as advised by Dr. Sims.
During a power outage, there's no certainty about the safety of food in the refrigerator or freezer, and it's advisable to discard it to avoid consuming spoiled items. To minimize unwarranted waste, cultivate a habit of consuming perishable foods like leftovers, meat, poultry, dairy, and ice cream as quickly as possible.
How to Preserve Food During Prolonged Power Outages?
Users should stock up on ice in the refrigerator to keep perishable foods at a safe temperature in case of potential power outages lasting several days.
Minimize opening the refrigerator door as much as possible, only retrieving essential items.
Sriyanka Lahiri, a nutrition expert and associate professor at the University of Florida, advises against taking food outside to keep it cold. The New York State Department of Health warns that even without electricity, the temperature inside the fridge remains significantly lower than outside. Bacteria can thrive in the heat from the sun, potentially spoiling your food.
We hope this article has shared additional insights on food preservation in refrigerators. If you're looking to purchase a refrigerator that suits your needs, feel free to visit the nearest Mytour store or contact our Hotline at 028-38563388. Our staff will guide you to the best products at affordable prices.
According to Health.
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