Foods may be unsafe to eat after prolonged loss of electricity.

Steps to take after a power outage:

Never taste food to know if it is safe to eat. When in doubt, throw it out.
Throw out perishable food in your refrigerator (meat, fish, cut fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, and leftovers) after 4 hours without power. Throw out any food with an unusual smell, color, or texture.
If you have an appliance thermometer in your refrigerator, check to see if it is still at 40 °F or below.
Check temperatures; throw out food that has thawed or is above 41°F.
You can safely refreeze or cook thawed frozen food that still contains ice crystals or is at 41°F or below.
Check this FoodSafety.gov chart for a list of what foods you should throw out and foods you can refreeze.

Please reach out to me with any questions. When in doubt, throw it out!

Tammy L. King, RS

Environmental Health Specialist

Langlade County Health Department
1225 Langlade Road
Antigo, WI 54409
Main Phone: 715-627-6250
Direct Line: 715-627-6380