Food Safety
Get some tips with how to manage food safely during power outages.
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.