News: Keep Food Safety in Mind if Power Goes Out

(Oct. 29, 2012) - The power outages expected to hit Loudoun County will affect the safe storage of refrigerated and frozen foods.

Perishable food such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk and eggs that are not stored properly refrigerated or frozen may cause illness if consumed. Follow the golden rule of food safety: "When in Doubt, Throw it Out," for any foods which you are not sure have stayed at a safe temperature or which do not look or smell as they should. Other tips:

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. Refrigerators will keep foods cold for 2-4 hours if it is unopened. Full freezers will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours if the door remains closed. These times may vary depending on age of the unit, condition of the seals, temperature setting and amount of food.
• Digital, dial, or instant-read food thermometer and appliance thermometers will help you know if the food is at a safe temperature.
•  Before eating perishable refrigerated foods (milk, cheeses, eggs, meats, fish, or poultry) be sure to check their temperature. Foods that are 41- F or below can be eaten and are considered safe. Foods that are above 41-F for more than 2 hours must be discarded. Do Not Eat. Don't trust your sense of smell. Food may be unsafe even if it doesn't smell bad.
• Raw poultry, fish, meats and eggs should be thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165-F.
• Thawed food can usually be eaten if it is still 41- F or re-frozen if it still contains ice crystals or is below 41- F. You have to evaluate each food item separately. Partial thawing and refreezing may reduce the quality of some food, but the food will remain safe to eat.

If you have not already done so, sign up for alerts from the county including emergency information, news releases, traffic information, and more through Alert Loudoun at www.loudoun.gov/alert; follow Loudoun County on Twitter at www.loudoun.gov/twitter; and on Facebook at www.loudoun.gov/facebook.

Hurricane Sandy information also is posted on the Loudoun County website at www.loudoun.gov and www.loudoun.gov/hurricane.