How Long Can A Refrigerator Go Without Power Before Food Spoils

Opening the refrigerator or freezer during that time will impact the longevity.

How long can a refrigerator go without power before food spoils. If the power was out for no more than 4 hours refrigerated food should be safe as long as the doors were kept closed. Ideally your perishable items which includes meat seafood poultry and dairy foods should be kept at 40 degrees fahrenheit or below in the refrigerator and 0 degrees f or below in the freezer according to the u s. Throw out perishable food in your refrigerator meat fish cut fruits and vegetables eggs milk and leftovers after 4 hours without power or a cold source like dry ice throw out any food with an unusual odor color or texture. When the power comes back on check the temperature in the refrigerator or of.

Department of agriculture says. Food can stay safe for up to 12 hours in a refrigerator without power but it will spoil quicker if you keep opening and closing the door. During a power outage you can use appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer to help determine if your food is safe. Check temperatures of food kept in coolers or your refrigerator with an.

You should be prepared for a power outage including setting the refrigerator to the proper temperature and being able to monitor it even when there s no power. But how long does that take. Foods will stay safely cold 4 to 6 hours in your refrigerator. Washington power outages that last days mean you will probably need to throw out a lot of food in your refrigerator and freezer.

How long can a refrigerator last without power. It s worth investing in a refrigerator thermometer so you know exactly what the temperature inside is at all times. Normally refrigerator temperature should be 40 degrees. When to save it and when to throw it out.

A half full freezer will last around 24 hours and a fully packed freezer can last 48 hours. In the event of a power outage it is important to keep your refrigerator closed as much as possible to keep the temperature safe for as long as you can. Department of agriculture to help keep your refrigerator at the ideal temperature for the longest period of time during a power outage keep the doors closed. Never taste food to determine if it is safe to eat when in doubt throw it out.

Obviously the food is in the fridge to keep it from spoiling and without power to the appliance it will eventually go bad. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat poultry fish eggs and leftovers after 4 hours without power. It should be set to 35 to 38 f.