Food Safety

Food safety tips during power outages.

Fresh food

Throw out fresh food if:

• it has been in floodwater
• it has an unusual smell, colour or feel
• it has been unrefrigerated for more than four hours.

Frozen food

Throw out frozen food if:

• it has been in floodwater
• the power to the freezer has been off for more than 48 hours for a full freezer, and more than 24 hours for a half-full freezer.

Note: Food that has started to defrost should be eaten as soon as possible. Do not refreeze.

Pantry food

Throw out pantry food if:

• it has been in floodwater
• it is open, swollen, damaged or missing labels.

Note: If in doubt, throw it out!

For more information, contact your nearest Queensland Health public health unit, or visit Food Standards Australia.