What Should You Throw Out of Your Freezer After a Power Outage?
TLDR
After a power outage, throw out any perishable food that has thawed and reached above 40°F. When in doubt, play it safe and throw it out.
A full freezer typically stays safe for about 48 hours if left unopened, while a half-full freezer may only hold safe temperatures for around 24 hours.
Some foods, like fruits, vegetables, bread, and hard cheeses, can be refrozen if they still have ice crystals and have remained below 40°F.
Keep your freezer doors closed during an outage to help maintain temperature. A standby generator can restore power within seconds to prevent food loss altogether.
Key Takeaways:
After a power outage, throw out any perishable foods that rise above 40°F.
Generally speaking, a full freezer stays cold for about 48 hours if unopened.
You may be able to refreeze food after an outage if it still contains ice crystals. When in doubt, throw it out.
Backup power, like a KOHLER standby generator, can help prevent food loss during power outages.
What should you throw out of the freezer after a power outage? Your first step should be to throw out any perishable food that has thawed and risen above 40°F, especially if you’ve been without power for more than a few hours.
Food safety depends on both temperature and time. A full freezer can typically keep your food frozen for about 48 hours if left unopened, while a half-full freezer may only maintain safe temperatures for about 24 hours. Once your frozen food starts to thaw and get warm, bacteria can grow rapidly.
What To Throw Out After a Power Outage
After a power outage, you should generally dispose of the following foods:
Meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs that feel warm or have fully thawed
Frozen meals or leftovers that are no longer cold to the touch
Ice cream and other dairy products that have softened or melted
Any food that now has an unusual odor, color, or texture
If you’re not sure whether or not a piece of food is still good, the safest option is to just throw it out.
What Food Can You Keep After a Power Outage?
Some foods can be refrozen if they still contain ice crystals and feel cold. These can include:
Certain fruits and vegetables
Breads and baked goods
Hard cheeses
These food items might lose some texture or quality, but are generally still safe to eat if they have stayed below 40°F.
How To Prevent Food Loss During a Power Outage
During a power outage, try to keep your freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the temperature. Using a thermometer can help you monitor conditions and keep track of whether or not the temperature stays in the safe zone.
For extended power outages, backup power can help keep your freezer running and reduce food waste. A standby generator from KOHLER can automatically restore power within seconds, helping protect your frozen food and maintain safe temperatures.
