When the power goes out consider the following:
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature
• Place a fridge thermometer in your refrigerated and freezer
• Use a tip-sensitive digital thermometer to check temperatures of refrigerated and frozen foods
• Have items that don’t require refrigeration and can be eaten at room temperature or heated on an outdoor grill
Some foods are riskier to eat after being held at 41°F for more than 4 hours because they can support the growth of bacteria that cause illness.
Keep These Foods
It is safe to keep the following foods even if your refrigerator or freezer loses power:
Dairy Products
Butter, margarine
Hard cheeses: cheddar, colby, swiss, parmesan, provolone, romano, including grated in a can or jar
Processed cheeses
Unopened, commercially processed yogurt
Sauces, Spreads and Jams
Jelly, jam, marmalade
Ketchup, mustard, relish, olives, pickles
Worcestershire, soy, barbecue, Hoisin, taco sauces
Opened vinegar based dressings
Pastries, Pies and Baked Goods
Fruit pies
Bread, rolls, cakes (without cream or custard filling), muffins, quick breads, tortillas
Waffles, pancakes, bagels
Fruits and Vegetables
Opened fruit juices, except pear
Opened canned fruits, except pear
Fresh fruits, dried and candied fruits, coconut, raisins, dates
Fresh mushrooms, herbs, spices
Raw vegetables, except cut tomatoes and greens
Toss These Foods
The following foods should be thrown away if held above 41ºF for over four hours:
Meat, Poultry and Seafood
Raw, thawing or leftover cooked meat, poultry, fish or seafood; meat substitutes
Salads made from meat, tuna, shrimp, chicken or eggs
Gravies, stuffings or broths
Lunch meats, hot dogs, bacon, sausage, dried beef
Dairy Products
Milk, cream, sour cream, buttermilk, evaporated
milk, ice cream, yogurt, eggnog, plant-based milk alternatives
Opened baby formula
Soft cheeses: blue/bleu, gorgonzola, brie, camembert, cottage, cream, monterey jack, ricotta, mozzarella, muenster, queso blanco, queso fresco
Shredded cheeses
Low-fat cheeses
Eggs
Fresh eggs, egg dishes, egg products
Custards and puddings
Sauces, Spreads and Jams
Opened mayonnaise, tartar sauce and horseradish (if above 50°F over 8 hours)
Fish and oyster sauces
Opened creamy based dressings
Opened spaghetti sauce
Pastries, Pies, Baked Goods, Pasta, Grains
Cream filled pastries
Pies: custard, cheese filled, chiffon; quiche
Cheesecake
Refrigerator biscuits, rolls, doughs
Cooked pasta, rice, potatoes
Pasta salads with mayonnaise or vinaigrette
Fresh pasta
Fruits and Vegetables
Pre-cut, pre-washed, packaged leafy greens
Cooked vegetables or tofu
Opened vegetable juice
Cooked potatoes and potato dishes
Commercial garlic in oil
Cut tomatoes
Other
Leftovers such as casseroles, soups, stews
