SAIPAN — The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation issued food safety guidance for residents handling refrigerated and frozen food during the ongoing power restoration following Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
Power outages after storms can make refrigerated and frozen foods unsafe to eat, CHCC said. Residents should protect themselves and their families by practicing safe food handling before, during and after a power outage.
KEY GUIDELINES
Refrigerators should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, and freezers at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below, CHCC said. An unopened refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours. A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for up to 48 hours, and a half-full freezer for up to 24 hours.
After 4 hours without power, residents should transfer refrigerated perishable foods to a cooler with ice or another cold source to keep them at 40 degrees or below, CHCC said.
WHEN TO THROW IT OUT
CHCC said residents should never taste food to determine if it is safe to eat.
Perishable food in the refrigerator, including meat, fish, cut fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk and leftovers, should be thrown out after 4 hours without power or a cold source. Any food with an unusual odor, color or texture should also be discarded, along with any food held above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Thawed frozen food that still contains ice crystals or is at 40 degrees or below can be safely refrozen or cooked, CHCC said.
The agency reminded residents to use appliance thermometers to monitor temperatures, store ice or gel packs, and use coolers when needed.
“When in doubt, throw it out,” CHCC said.
Keeping food safe helps prevent foodborne illness during emergencies and recovery efforts, the agency said.
