[Durham INC] Cooperative Extension Gives Food Safety Advice

[Pat]

Is there a dance we can all go out and do to keep the ice away from here?

Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2014 12:21:39 -0500
From: lists at dconc.gov
To: pats1717 at hotmail.com
Subject: Durham Cooperative Extension Gives Food Safety Advice
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                Durham County Government
                Press Release
            
            
            
            
                
            
            
        
        
            
Durham Cooperative Extension Gives Food Safety Advice

 
 Durham,NC -  February 12, 2014 - Power outages do more than turn the lights out. Without electricity, some are faced with food preservation issues when the refrigerator and freezer are no longer working. Durham County Cooperative Extension offers these important food safety tips:
 
Food Safety Emergency Preparedness 
During a power outage you should keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed and open them as little as possible. A closed refrigerator will keep food below 41 degrees Fahrenheit only about four hours after a power loss. If you don't have a thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer, that might be one of your next purchases. You can find thermometers for refrigerators and freezers at your local hardware or in the kitchen section at department or large chain stores.
 
Refrigerator
The following items should be discarded if above 41 degrees for more than two hours -  meats, dairy products such as milks, cream, sour cream and yogurt, opened liquid baby formula, eggs, custards and puddings, soft cheeses such as blue, cottage, ricotta, mozzarella, cream and queso blanco or fresco, shredded cheese, low-fat cheese, and creamy based dressings. Opened mayonnaise, tartar sauce and horseradish should be discarded if above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for more than eight hours. There are; however, some foods that are safe if held above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours - butter and margarine, hard cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, parmesan, provolone and Romano, peanut butter, jelly, catsup, mustard, pickles, opened vinegar-based dressings and uncut fruits and vegetables.  Check these foods for evidence of mold, smell and sliminess. Discard if in doubt.
 
Freezer
A closed freezer can keep food below 41 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 48 hours if full and kept cold. If your freezer is not full, group packages together so they will retain cold temperatures. If you have room, it's always a good idea to have frozen gallon jugs of water in the freezer; these will help keep the temperature low should the power go out. Most meats that still contain ice crystals and feel as cold as if refrigerated can be refrozen. If thawed and held above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours, meats should be discarded. 
 
Frozen milk, egg products, cheese and breads can be refrozen if they contain ice crystals, although food quality loss is a consideration with some foods. Hard cheeses, breads, pie crusts, bread dough, nuts and breakfast items such as waffles, pancakes, bagels, can be refrozen if thawed and held above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours although food quality may be a consideration. Pizzas, frozen entrees, casseroles should only be refrozen if they still contain ice crystals and feel as cold as if refrigerated. If these items have thawed and are held above 41degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours, they should be discarded.
 
Before discarding food, take pictures and/or make a list of spoiled food. Damaged food may be covered by your insurance policy. Never feed food that is considered unsafe to your pets. Place discarded food in plastic garbage bags for disposal or compost if suitable for composting. If you have a specific question concerning food safety during a power outage or would like a copy of Food Safety Information Sheets:  Recovering from a storm, be sure to call Durham County NC Cooperative Extension and ask for Nekeidra Morrison at 919-560-0501.
 
Go to this link http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/disaster/factsheets/pdf/froz_food.pdf for freezers and http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/disaster/factsheets/pdf/refridgerated.pdf for the refrigerator. 
 


            
        
        
            
            
            
            
        
        
            
        
        
            
        
        
    
    
        
        
        
            
                
            
        
        
        
        
    
    








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