The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers to be alert to food safety risks that could result from possible power outages and flooding due to storms that currently threaten both coasts of the United States.
"Foods that are inadequately refrigerated during storm-related power outages, and foods or bottled water contaminated by flood waters, present a potential health risk to consumers," said Robert E. Brackett, Ph.D., Director of FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. "Consumers may want to look up FDA's advice on how to confront such risks, which is available on the FDA website."
Some of the safety steps recommended by the FDA and posted at www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsdisas.html include:
In advance of storm-related power outages and flooding:
- Make or purchase ice to keep food cold in refrigerators and freezers in case of a power outage.
- Freeze refrigerated items such as leftovers, milk, fresh meat and poultry that you may not need immediately.
- Have coolers on hand to keep refrigerated food cold if the power will be out for more than 4 hours. Have ice or gel packs ready for use in coolers.
- Keep a supply of bottled water stored where it will be safe from flooding.
- Purchase an appliance thermometer to monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures. Make sure your freezer is at or below 0ºF and the refrigerator is at or below 40ºF.
In the event of a power outage: