If You Lose Power

Within 2 hours of power being cut, all potentially hazardous food such as meat, poultry, seafood and ready-to-eat perishable foods in the refrigerator need to be either:

  • Placed in alternative cold storage and returned to temperature control of 5°C or less, i.e. esky with ice or into a family members or friend’s fridge; or
  • Eaten immediately.

After 4 hours, if the power hasn’t returned the food must be thrown out and not consumed.

Freezers that are in good condition may keep foods at safe temperatures for between 1 and 2 days if the door is kept shut. A full freezer can keep food chilled for up to 48 hours, while a half full freezer can be kept food chilled for 24 hours.  Opening and closing the doors will reduce the time the contents will remain at safe temperatures.

Foods that have partly defrosted or defrosted but remain very cold (5 °C or less) can be refrozen only once.  

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