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Attention freezer owners!

January 16, 2008|Jennifer Howard

If you own a freezer and the power goes out, do not open the freezer! Sooner or later there will be a problem, whether it's a winter ice storm or a summer thunderstorm, and that leads to questions about food safety when the freezer fails or is accidently unplugged. If at all possible, wait until the power is on before opening the freezer door. Each time the door is opened, it increases the interior temperature and decreases the time foods will keep safely without power.

In most cases, a full or nearly full chest-type freezer, in an appropriate location, will hold well for 24 hours or longer, if the door hasn't been opened. If it has been less than 24 hours, do not open the door when the power resumes. Let things refreeze at least 24 hours before opening the door.

In case of a power outage or an unplugged freezer, it is helpful to know the temperature of the thawed food. The easiest way is to place two or three ice cubes in a plastic freezer bag and seal. Keep this in the freezer at all times. In an upright freezer, you can have a test bag on each shelf. If there has been a power failure, you will know if the interior temperature was about 32 degrees if the cubes melt. If the cubes are melted, quickly determine the temperature of the water in the bag (from the melted ice cubes), and you will know the temperature inside the freezer.

You can also keep a thermometer in the freezer at all times. As a general rule, completely thawed foods should not be refrozen. The quality will always be poorer, and spoilage may have taken place during the thawing period. Most foods that have been kept at about 40 degrees for more than two hours are at risk for food poisoning and should be discarded. When in doubt, throw it out.

If you find foods that are partially thawed, here's a rule of thumb:

Fruits, if partially thawed, you can refreeze, but flavor may be poor.

Vegetables, if partially thawed, should be cooked and used in vegetable mixtures before refreezing.

Soups, if partially thawed, should be reheated thoroughly, cooled and then refrozen.

Meats, with ice crystals, should be refrigerated promptly if the meats have been cooked and used within one to two days.

If the meats have never been cooked, were frozen raw, have ice crystals in them and the odor is normal, then cook and refreeze. If there is any off odor, throw out. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out.

If you have additional questions about when the freezer goes out, contact the Clark County Extension Office at 744-4682.

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