Buzz
1. After a power outage, how long will the refrigerator maintain its temperature?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, a regular fridge will maintain a stable temperature for up to 4 hours without power. Samsung or Hitachi refrigerators, however, can last even longer, up to 8 or 12 hours.
For freezers, the duration of food preservation is extended. If the freezer is half full, it will last for a day, but if you store a full freezer, it can extend up to 48 hours. Keep in mind that a full freezer with more food ensures better cooling efficiency.
However, refrain from frequently checking the food. Checking it often shortens the time before the temperature increases, leading to quicker spoilage of items not kept cool.
2. Signs to identify spoiled food in the refrigerator
If you are using conventional refrigerators, it's advisable to discard stored food after a power outage of more than 4 hours. For certain refrigerator models designed to maintain temperature longer, follow the manufacturer's recommendations when disposing of food after a power loss.
You can also check the actual temperature of each type of food to determine their safety. Use a thermometer to measure the refrigerator's temperature. If the temperature is below 4.4 degrees Celsius, it means the food is being stored normally. For freezer temperature below -18 degrees Celsius, it is considered ideal for preserving food.
For frozen food compartments, if you want to refreeze items safely, check if their temperature is below 4.4 degrees Celsius. If it's below 4.4 degrees Celsius, it means the food can be refrozen and still be safe to use. In the case of meat or eggs, discard them if they have been above 4.4 degrees Celsius for two hours.
Foodsafety.gov, a website by the FDA, CDC, and other U.S. federal health agencies, has recommended a list of foods that should not be used if their temperature exceeds 4.4 degrees Celsius:
- Meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, soft cheese, grated cheese.
- Various salad dressings, opened cookies, cooked foods like cake batter, pasta, potatoes, rice.
- Freshly peeled fruits and vegetables, cooked vegetables.
The duration for keeping food fresh in the refrigerator after a power outage, as informed by Media Mart. We hope this knowledge proves useful to you. Stay tuned to Media Mart for the latest and most helpful updates.
