By VICKIE CLARK
Question: My refrigerator went out and the repairman can’t come for days. Do I have to throw everything out?
Answer: Ouch, that’s a tough one. No one wants to lose everything in their refrigerator, but you can’t rely on appearance or odor to determine whether the food is safe. A great resource is www.foodsafety.gov which has charts to guide you on when to save and when to throw out.
During an emergency or power outage, food in the refrigerator can be considered safe as long as the power is out no more than 4 hours. Keep the doors closed as much as possible to maintain cold temperatures. A full freezer will hold its temperature for 48 hours.
Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers) that have been about 40 degrees F for over 2 hours. Check the labels on condiments, jars and packaged foods. If it says to refrigerate after opening, then you’ll have to discard them if the power has been out more than 4 hours.
Keep an inventory of everything you have to throw out. You may be able to claim them on your refrigerator warranty or on your home owner insurance.
After a power outage, it’s important to thoroughly clean the refrigerator. Wash interior (including the door and gasket) and all shelves, crispers and ice trays with hot water and detergent or baking soda. Then rinse with a sanitizing solution (1 tablespoon unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water). Leave the door open for about 15 minutes to allow free air circulation.
Unfortunately, the odors that develop when food spoils can be difficult to remove. The Food Safety and Inspection Services recommends a variety of ways to remove the smell, but if those efforts fail the refrigerator may have to be replaced. And unfortunately, the odors that develop when food spoils can be difficult to remove. The Food Safety and Inspection Services recommends a variety of ways to remove the smell, but if those efforts fail the refrigerator may have to be replaced. Here’s some suggestions to remove the odors:
• Wipe the inside of the fridge or freezer with equal parts vinegar and water. Vinegar provides acid, which destroys mildew.
• Leave the door open and allow the refrigerator to air out for several days.
If all else fails, you may have to replace your old unit. If you’ve had it awhile, you’ll be happy to hear that most of the new refrigerators on the market are more energy efficient and loaded with features that keep your food fresh.
Vickie Clark is the Director of the Carter County UT Extension Office and also serves as the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent. If you have questions or need any information related to Family and Consumer Science contact her at the UT Extension Carter County, 824 East Elk Ave., Elizabethton, call 542-1818 or email at vclark@utk.edu.