Power outages cause food safety concerns

With some areas of Simcoe County and Muskoka experiencing power outages due to the wind over the previous few days, residents could have some concerns with the safety of food in refrigerators and freezers.

Without power, the refrigerator section will keep foods cool for four to six hours, if the door is kept closed. Refrigerator temperatures should be 4 C or less to keep food safe.

Without power, an upright or chest freezer that is completely full will keep food frozen for about two days. A half-full freezer will keep food frozen for one day. The freezer temperature should be -18 C or colder for food safety.

To keep foods cold during a power outage, avoid opening and closing the freezer and the refrigerator.

If food is above 4 C for more than two hours, foods containing meat, fish, poultry, dairy products and eggs should be discarded.

More information is available by calling Your Health Connection at 721- 7520 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. More details are also available on the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth. org.