Food safety and emergency power outages: Department of health, Victoria

Power outages can quickly affect the safety of refrigerated food. As a general guide, an unopened refrigerator keeps food cold for about four hours; a full unopened freezer may hold a safe temperature for about 48 hours, or about 24 hours if half full.

These times are estimates, not guarantees. Use actual food temperatures and official disposal guidance, especially for meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, and prepared foods.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

Victoria Department of Health — Food Safety

Victorian food-safety information, including emergency-related advice.

USDA FSIS — Food Safety in an Emergency

USDA advice for evaluating food safety during and after emergencies.

FDA — Food Safety During Emergencies

Guidance on keeping food and water safe during storms, flooding, and power interruptions.

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