(Area) On Wednesday, a winter storm packing high winds knocked out power to thousands of people across western and northern Iowa. Some crews were temporarily pulled from outage restoration late Wednesday for safety reasons. This brings up the topic of safe temperatures and time frames to store food in refrigerators and freezers during power outages, among the food safety considerations for those impacted.
USDA Food Safety Expert Meredith Caruthers says those safe temperatures are below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once these appliances reach their safe temperature point, discard any perishable food items. Food safety resources are available through the U.S.DA’s meat and poultry hotline.
(Audio courtesy of Rod Bain from the USDA in Washington D.C.)
