USDA warns storm victims on food safety

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture warns those affected by recent ice storm power outages that food can spoil in a matter of hours.

"Foods stored in freezers and refrigerators can become unsafe in just a few hours if bacteria begin to grow and if these foods are consumed, people can become very sick," USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Richard Raymond said in a statement.

During a weather emergency, the government advises: The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about four hours if left unopened, a full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours -- 24 hours if it is half full.

Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40 degrees F or below. Never taste a food to determine its safety. Obtain dry or block ice to keep the refrigerator and freezer cold.

Discard refrigerated food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers and deli items after four hours without power. When in doubt, throw it out.