Food safety reminders in the event of a power outage:
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) says the best advice is a simple phrase: when in doubt, throw it out. They say if you're not sure if it's safe to eat, don't take the chance.
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.
- A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours if it is unopened. With that window having passed, consumers will need to discard most of the items in the refrigerator.
- A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
- If the four-hour window has passed, discard any remaining perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs or leftovers.
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