USDA CONSUMER ALERT: Keeping food safe during an emergency - (USDA FSIS)
February 7, 2008 – 6:02 pmWASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing recommendations to those affected by tornadoes and severe weather in the mid-South. USDA is hopeful that this information will help minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses due to food spoilage from power outages and other problems that are often associated with severe weather events.
“Power outages can occur at any time of the year and it often takes from a few hours to several days for electricity to be restored to residential areas,” said USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Richard Raymond. “Without electricity or a cold source, foods stored in refrigerators and freezers can become unsafe. Bacteria in food grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 and 140 °F, and if these foods are consumed, people can become very sick.”
Steps to follow to prepare for a possible weather emergency:
* Keep an appliance thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer. An appliance thermometer […]
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