Throw Out Fridge Food After Four-Hour Power Outage, Warns WHO.

The World Health Organization
(WHO) issued a warning on food safety during power outages. This advisory came as part of a series of messages shared on X.com to mark World Food Safety Day, themed “Food safety: prepare for the unexpected.”

According to WHO, food exposed to temperatures exceeding 5 °C (41 °F) for more than two hours can become unsafe to consume.

The World Food Safety Day is celebrated annually on June 7th and aims to raise awareness about foodborne illnesses and promote safe food handling practices.

WHO specifically addresses food safety after power outages. Perishable items stored in refrigerators may no longer be safe for consumption if they haven’t been maintained at the proper temperature for an extended period.

The WHO advises discarding all perishable foods in your fridge, such as meat, poultry, fish, and leftovers, after a power outage exceeding four hours.

Frozen food is also a concern during power outages. WHO recommends discarding thawed frozen items or cooking them immediately if they have been exposed to room temperature for more than two hours. When in doubt about the safety of food, throw it away.

For those residing in areas frequently experiencing power outages, the WHO suggests maintaining a stockpile of pre-packaged, ready-to-eat, and canned foods. Bottled water is also crucial to include in emergency food supplies.

The article highlights the general safety of undamaged canned goods and commercially sealed glass jars. However, it emphasizes the importance of sanitizing these containers before use whenever possible. Discard canned foods with broken seams, significant dents, leaks, or jars with compromised seals.

Source: Punch News

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