How to ensure food is safe to eat following a power outage

An expert shares how long food will stay fresh in your freezer or refrigerator in the wake of an extended power outage.

In the wake of recent storms in Manitoba that resulted in widespread outages, some lasting more than 24 hours, an expert is advising people about what they need to do to ensure food doesn’t spoil in their fridge or freezers.

Michael Eskin, a distinguished professor in the food and human nutritional sciences department at the University of Manitoba, said food in refrigerators will spoil quicker than it will in freezers.

“In the refrigerator, if the power’s off, it’s usually a maximum of four hours,” Eskin told CTV News in a Thursday interview.

Eskin said the rule applies especially to items such as meat, poultry, eggs, vegetables that have already been cut up, and dairy products, as well as anything containing those ingredients.

Hard cheeses, butter, margarine, whole fruits and vegetables, condiments, and previously cooked food will keep longer, but leftovers should be cooked thoroughly before eating, Eskin said.

Regarding freezers, Eskin said food in a full freezer that hasn’t been opened will keep longer. He said meat can be kept between 24 and 48 hours before it spoils.

“If there’s ice crystals and it’s frozen, it hasn’t thawed,” he said.

Eskin said people should ensure meat is cooked on high heat before it’s consumed.

Any food that is slimy, smells off, or has mould should not be consumed.

With files from CTV’s Will Reimer