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TextHealth Department Offers Food Safety Tips for Those Who Have Lost Power due to Hurricane Isabel
Office of Public Affairs
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 551
Fairfax, VA 22035-0065
703-324-3187, TTY 703-324-2935, FAX 703-324-2010
September 19, 2003
Health Department Offers Food Safety Tips for Those Who Have Lost Power due to Hurricane Isabel
Due to the loss of power for so many residents caused by Hurricane Isabel, the Fairfax County Health Department offers the following information to ensure your safety for both refrigerated and frozen foods.
During a power outage, food usually maintains a safe temperature for only 2-4 hours in the refrigerator and 8-10 hours in the freezer, if the door has not been opened. Follow the specific steps below to reduce your risk of consuming spoiled food.
For refrigerated foods:
- Perishable foods including meats, dairy products and eggs that have been in a refrigerator that has not had power for more than two hours should be discarded because they are no longer safe to consume.
- Do not eat any food with an unusual odor, color or texture. However, keep in mind that food may be unsafe even if it does not smell bad.
For frozen foods:
- If you have not opened your freezer door, frozen foods will remain frozen for 1-2 days.
- You may eat food from the freezer if it has been maintained below 41 degrees. If the food is above 41 degrees, or you cannot measure the temperature, you should discard it.
Always follow the golden rule of food safety, "When in doubt, throw it out." The Health Department also reminds residents that raw poultry, fish, meats and eggs should be cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Hands should be washed thoroughly before preparing and consuming food.
If you have additional questions about food safety or food or water-borne illness, call the Fairfax County Health Department's information line at 703-246-3796, TTY 711 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additional information is also available by calling the county's Emergency Information Line at 703-817-7771, TTY 711 or on the county's Web site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.
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