Power Outage Warning: Which Foods Become Dangerous After the Lights Go Out

How to Keep Food Safe During a Power Cut

According to НВ — Техно: When the electricity goes off, knowing how to store food properly becomes critical. A standard unplugged refrigerator can maintain a safe temperature for roughly four hours. To prevent spoilage, the internal temperature must stay at or below 4°C. If it rises above that threshold, the following items enter the danger zone after just two hours:

• meat
• milk
• prepared meals

Freezer Safety: What You Need to Know

Freezers offer more leeway but have their own limits. A half-full freezer can keep items safely frozen for about 24 hours, while a fully packed one can hold the cold for up to 48 hours. A crucial warning: bacteria like salmonella and E. coli-which cause food poisoning-do not alter the look or smell of food, so you cannot rely on your senses. Always check the temperature instead.

To verify food safety, use an analog thermometer. If it reads 4°C or lower, your food is still safe. However, if the temperature has climbed above 4°C for more than two hours, you must discard raw meat, poultry, fish, seafood, milk, yogurt, soft cheese, eggs, prepared dishes, and cut fruits. Items that can be kept include hard cheeses, butter, whole fruits and vegetables, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, and vinegar-based dressings.

If a partially thawed item still has ice crystals and feels cold to the touch, you can safely refreeze it. But if meat or fish has fully defrosted and sat above 4°C for over two hours, throw it away. Following these guidelines will help prevent serious health issues during blackouts.

Proper food storage during power outages is essential for public health. With extended electricity cuts becoming more common, consumers need to understand the risks and know how to act to avoid foodborne illness. Clear instructions not only help preserve groceries but also raise awareness about the importance of food safety in emergencies.