Food safety message - when in doubt throw it out

Sunshine Coast Council today issued a food safety message for residents who have experienced a disruption to their power supply due to the floods.

Local Disaster Coordinator Andrew Ryan said after a flood or power failure there is a danger that food may no longer be safe to eat.

“It is useful for residents to make a note of the time their power failed,” he said.

“If the power supply is disrupted for more than four hours, food in refrigerators can spoil.

“It is advisable to keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible while the power is off.

“A closed refrigerator should keep food cold for four hours.

“It is important for residents to note that food which is normally kept in a refrigerator and allowed to warm for two hours or more, should not be eaten.”

Mr Ryan said freezers will generally not defrost and allow food to spoil for at least 24 hours, provided the door has been kept shut.

“However if frozen foods have thawed, they should not be refrozen but should be kept cold and eaten as soon as possible,” he said.

“If residents have access to a supply of ice, it is possible to pack the refrigerator and freezer to help maintain the temperatures of food.

“It is also recommended to dispose food that has come into contact with flood water and food that has an unusual odour, colour or texture.”

For additional food safety information please visit Queensland Government website.

Council’s website and Facebook site is being updated regularly with information about road closures. You can also follow council on Twitter at @CouncilSCC for updates.