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Date Published: September 2001
Revised: June 28, 2002
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When the electricity to your refrigerator or freezer is interrupted for an extended period of time, the safety of foods in them becomes a concern. The information in this fact sheet is intended to help you determine the safety of your food.
FROZEN FOOD: When to Save and When to Throw Out
Frozen foods in a fully-stocked freezer will stay frozen up to two days, in a half-filled freezer about one day. Keep the freezer door closed as much as possible. Refer to the following chart to determine if a specific food may be saved or be thrown out.
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Food still cold, held at 4°C (40°F) or above under two hours |
Held above 4°C (40°F) for over two hours |
| Meat, Poultry, Seafood |
| Fresh or leftover meat, poultry, fish, seafood |
Safe |
Discard |
| Thawing meat or poultry |
Safe |
Discard (if warmer than refrigerator temperatures) |
| Meat, tuna, shrimp, chicken, egg salad |
Safe |
Discard |
| Gravy, stuffing |
Safe |
Discard |
| Lunch meats, hot dogs, bacon, sausage, dried beef | Safe |
Discard |
| Pizza – meat topped |
Safe |
Discard |
| Canned meats (not labeled "Keep Refrigerated") – refrigerated after opening |
Safe |
Discard |
| Canned hams (labeled "Keep Refrigerated") |
Safe |
Discard |
| Casseroles, soups, stews |
Safe |
Discard |
| Dairy |
| Milk, cream, sour cream, buttermilk, evaporated milk, yogurt |
Safe |
Discard |
| Butter, margarine |
Safe |
Safe |
| Baby formula – opened |
Safe |
Discard |
| Eggs – fresh, hard cooked in shell |
Safe |
Discard |
| Egg dishes, custards, puddings |
Safe |
Discard |
| Hard cheeses, processed cheeses |
Safe |
Safe |
| Soft cheeses, cottage cheese |
Safe |
Discard |
| Fruits |
| Canned fruits |
Safe |
Safe |
| Fresh fruits, coconut, raisins, dried fruits, candied fruits, dates |
Safe |
Safe |
| Vegetables |
| Vegetables – cooked, juice – opened |
Safe |
Discard after six hours |
| Baked potatoes |
Safe |
Discard |
| Fresh mushrooms, herbs, spices |
Safe |
Safe |
| Garlic-chopped in oil or butter |
Safe |
Discard |
| Breads, Pastry |
| Bread, rolls, cakes, muffins |
Safe |
Safe |
| Pastries – cream filled |
Safe |
Discard |
| Pies – custard, cheese filled, chiffons |
Safe |
Discard |
| Pies – fruit |
Safe |
Safe |
| Refrig. biscuits, rolls, cookie dough |
Safe |
Discard |
| Other |
| Cooked pasta, spaghetti |
Safe |
Discard |
| Pasta Salads with mayonnaise or
vinegar base |
Safe |
Discard |
| Mayonnaise, tartar sauce, horseradish |
Safe |
Discard if above 50°F for over eight hours |
| Opened salad dressing, jelly, relish, barbeque sauce, mustard, catsup, olives |
Safe |
Safe |
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