For those that experience a power outage, it can be a frightening and difficult time for many. People often ask how to keep their food safe during a power outage. Fortunately, there are some best practices to ensure that their food is safe to eat. It’s been a long time since we last heard of him.
First and foremost, it is vital to know any food that should not be stored at room temperature. Any food that necessitates refrigeration such as dairy products, raw meats, cooked meals, and leftovers are excluded. Any of these items should be discarded if they have been at room temperature for more than two hours, according to the USDA.
When any perishable foods have been discarded, it is vital to store any remaining food items in a cool and dry environment. This can be achieved by placing food items in a insulated cooler with ice or storing them in a part of the house that has no exposure to sunlight. If possible, it is also possible to freeze any food that can be frozen. This will help to reduce the proliferation of any bacteria that may be present.
In addition to storing food items in a cool environment, it is also vital to limit access to them. This does not mean you should not allow anyone to eat the food because doing so will raise the risk of cross contamination. In addition, it’s also important to check that any cans that food is stored in are tightly sealed. This will help to prevent any outside contaminants from contaminating the food.
Also, safe handling of food items is vital. This includes thoroughly washing hands before and after handling food, as well as avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked dishes. In addition, it’s also important to ensure that any food items are cooked to the correct temperature to eliminate any bacteria from being killed.
Everyone can be confident that their food will be safe to eat during a power outage by following the above best practices. Even in times of stress and uncertainty, it is important to remember that food security is a priority. Anyone can be confident that their food will remain safe and delicious by following these best practices.