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How long does food in the fridge last during a power outage? Safety guide

Madata
How long does food in the fridge last during a power outage? Safety guide
Photo: madata.gr

Key Points

  • According to the USDA, food in the fridge stays safe for about 4 hours during a power outage.
  • A full freezer can protect food for 48 hours, while a half-full freezer can protect it for 24 hours.
  • To maintain a low temperature, it is recommended not to open the doors during a power outage.
  • It is stated that the internal temperature of the fridge should be 4°C or lower.

By the Numbers

4 hours fridge safety48 hours full freezer24 hours half-full freezer4°C fridge temperature

Power outages are a concerning situation, especially when the fridge is full of food. However, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), foods in the fridge can remain safe to eat for a certain period of time without electricity.

The safe keeping time for foods in the fridge is about four hours. In the freezer compartment, this period is much longer; a full freezer keeps foods safe for 48 hours, while a half-full freezer provides protection for 24 hours.

For these periods to be valid, it is of great importance that the refrigerator and freezer doors are not opened as much as possible. Additionally, it is recommended to monitor the internal temperature of the appliances; according to the USDA, the refrigerator temperature should be 4°C or below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does food in the fridge stay safe during a power outage?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), food in the fridge stays safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage.
What should be done to prevent food in the freezer from spoiling while the door is closed?
To ensure the internal temperature stays low, it is recommended that the refrigerator and freezer doors are not opened during the power outage.
What is the difference in safe keeping time between full and half-full freezers?
A full freezer protects food for up to 48 hours, while a half-full freezer keeps food safe for up to 24 hours.

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