Jasper County Health Department advises on food safety during power outages
JOPLIN, Mo. — How long is too long when it comes to food in a fridge when there’s no power?
It’s something most of us think about as soon as the power goes out.
We caught with Steve Mckarus with the Jasper County Health Department. He says food in a refrigerator can usually last around 4 to 8 hours after a power outage — with freezers being able to sit for close to 24-hours until food unthaws.
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He says it comes down to a particular internal temperature.
“Because 41 degrees is the magic temperature there. Anything over 41 degrees, bacteria starts to grow after about two hours, you need to start thinking about throwing away that product. After four hours, you definitely need to throw it away,” said Steve Mckarus, Jasper County Health Department environmental health services supervisor.
Anyone with questions can contact their local health department.
