AboutCarol Schlitt Expertise I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Organizations International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.
Education/Credentials BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Question How long will food last in a refridge when the power goe's out?
Answer Hi Steven,
If the refrigerator is full and you keep the door shut, the refrigerator will keep food cool 4 to 6 hours without electricity.
To keep temperatures cool longer, add bags of regular ice. Place the ice on upper shelves and pans to catch the melting ice on lower shelves. The more ice you use, the longer the temperature will stay cool. Open the door only to add ice. Place a thermometer in the area furthest from the ice. Check the refrigerator temperature when adding ice and as soon as the power returns to be sure that food has been kept below 40F.
Generally, if food is above 40 degrees when the power returns you'll need to throw away any milk products, eggs, meats and open mayonnaise-type products. Jams, jellies, mustard, ketchup, pickles, hard cheeses, margarine, butter and fresh fruits and vegetables are generally safe and can be salvaged.
