MANHATTAN, Kan. – Seasonal storms can cause occasional power outages, but consumers can take steps to help protect food stored in their refrigerator or freezer, said Karen Blakeslee, Kansas State University Research and Extension Rapid Response Coordinator.

To protect food safety and quality, Blakeslee encourages consumers to purchase appliance thermometers to monitor food storage temperatures. A reading of 40 degrees F. or lower will protect food safety and quality in freezers and refrigerators during a power outage.

Appliance thermometers are different than food thermometers. They are relatively inexpensive, and usually can be purchased at hardware, kitchen and department stores, she said.

Blakeslee recommends placing the thermometer in the center of the appliance – for example, toward the front of a center shelf where it can be easily viewed. Place the thermometer in the refrigerator or freezer compartment rather than on a shelf in the door.

While monitoring food storage temperatures generally is recommended, it can be particularly important when there is a power outage. During an outage, opening freezer and refrigerator doors should be kept to a minimum, said Blakeslee, who recommended checking food storage temperatures every four hours.

Food stored in a freezer that is full (or nearly full) may retain food quality for two to four days when power is out. Food stored in a freezer that is half full (or less) may retain quality for one to two days without power. The time frame will be influenced by the type of food stored – as an example, a freezer used to store mostly meat will stay colder than a freezer used to store a variety of foods.

When advised of a planned power outage, consumers can take additional steps to protect frozen foods by adding freezer packs; bags of ice or block ice, and/or dry ice. A note of caution is recommended when handling dry ice. Wear gloves and keep dry ice separate from food; wrap it in newspaper or place cardboard between the dry ice and the food, Blakeslee said.

If a power outage is likely to be lengthy, consumers also may want to check space available in a friend or neighbor’s refrigerator or freezer that is not affected by the outage, and transfer food temporarily. Storing food in an ice chest also can be used for a limited time.

In the refrigerator, raw meats; leftovers or mixtures, like a meat or poultry salad; some dairy products, like cottage cheese, and egg products may spoil more quickly, she said.

Although consumers are advised to always be mindful of food quality, this, too, is particularly

important after a power outage. For example, the presence of ice crystals can mean that frozen food is still safe, while a thawed or soft spot, odor or leaky package usually signal that food should be discarded.

If food is being cooked when a power outage occurs, consumers are advised to consider the length of the power outage and to monitor the temperature of the cooked (or partially cooked) food with a food thermometer. If an outage is brief, it may be possible to continue cooking the food to a safe-to-eat temperature, but familiar advice is still good advice: When in doubt, throw it out, Blakeslee said.

For more information on food safety and storage, contact the local K-State Research and Extension office. Information also is available on the K-State Research and Extension food safety web site: www.oznet.ksu.edu/foodsafety.