Dealing with Food
Is It Safe to Eat the Bologna?When the power is out, don't open the refrigerator unless it is absolutely necessary. Opening the door lets precious cold air out and warm air in. If it looks like power will be out for more than a few hours, add ice to the refrigerator. The more ice you add, the longer the food will keep cold. Dry ice can be added to the freezer compartment of your refrigerator. Depending upon how warm the room is, much of the food in your refrigerator will last only 4-6 hours without power. If 6 hours have passed without power, throw away non-frozen perishables such as meat, poultry, seafood, luncheon meats and hot dogs; milk, milk products and soft cheeses; eggs (fresh or hard boiled); opened baby formula; cooked vegetables and vegetable juice. Also, toss out any creamy salad dressings, prepared foods or leftovers, cream-filled pastries or pies, cooked pasta or meat salads. Most condiments -- such as vinegar-based salad dressings, relish, mustard or ketchup -- can be kept. But it's smart to throw away mayonnaise, tartar sauce or horseradish. If any food has an unusual odor or color, toss it out! Even though it will cost you money to replace spoiled or questionable food, it is always best to play it safe.
What to Do When the Ice Cream Turns to Soup
A well-filled freezer will keep foods frozen for 2 days after power is lost; a half-filled freezer for about 1 day. But don't open the freezer door to check the food inside. If it looks as if power will be out for a long time, consider purchasing dry ice. Twenty-five pounds of dry ice will keep a 10-foot full freezer below freezing for 3-4 days; a half-full freezer for 2-3 days. Handle dry ice carefully, using very heavy gloves or tongs. Never touch it with your hands. If possible, have the merchant place it in a picnic cooler or cardboard box. Place cardboard on the freezer shelves so dry ice doesn't come in contact with metal. Arrange the dry ice around food packages, without the dry ice directly touching them. When power is restored, do not stick your head directly into the freezer. There may not be enough oxygen left for you to breathe. Open the freezer door and let outside air mix in before you examine the food.
Can I Refreeze the Pizza?
If food has only partially thawed and there are still ice crystals in it, that food may be safely refrozen. Partial thawing does, however, reduce quality. For meat or poultry that has completely thawed, but feels cold to the touch, cook, then refreeze, and use it as quickly as possible. Thawed fruits can be used for high quality jams, jellies or preserves. Baked goods may be safely refrozen, even if completely thawed. But some quality may be lost. Do not refreeze commercially frozen dinners or other products. If they're still cold, you may cook them and eat them immediately. As with refrigerated foods, throw out anything that has even a slightly unusual color or odor. Note: Information on food was obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
