Food safety: how long does it take for food to spoil?

In the event of a power outage and the loss of refrigeration, it is essential to understand how long it takes for food to go bad. While the exact timing can vary, several factors come into play. Let's explore this topic and gain insights into preserving the freshness of your food. SSP prepared.

Without power, a refrigerator can generally maintain its cool temperature for around four hours, assuming the doors remain closed. However, the duration before food begins to spoil depends on the amount of food stored inside. Surprisingly, air doesn't retain temperature as effectively as solid or liquid matter. Having a well-stocked fridge can prolong the time it takes for food to spoil.

Different foods have varying decay processes. First and foremost, frozen food requires immediate attention. If meat or vegetables thaw and refreeze, harmful bacteria may develop. Additionally, attempting to refreeze melted ice cream will cause it to crystallize, making it inadvisable to consume. Instead, consider transferring items from the freezer to the refrigerator to help maintain its coldness. Nevertheless, remember to discard any thawed frozen food eventually.

To prevent bacteria buildup, ensure that all refrigerated food remains below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Once this temperature threshold is exceeded, the risk of contamination increases. Products with high water content, such as dairy, meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood, are particularly susceptible to spoilage.

When faced with a power failure, it is recommended to address refrigerator maintenance within six hours to avoid unnecessary food waste. Approximately two hours beyond 40 degrees Fahrenheit (or approximately six hours following power loss), SSP advises discarding the following food items:

• Raw or cooked meat, poultry, and seafood
• Gravy, stuffing, fish/oyster sauce, pizza, or anything containing meat or meat juice
• Tofu
• Raw or cooked eggs and egg products
• Soft cheeses (blue/bleu, Roquefort, Brie, Camembert, cottage, cream, Edam, Monterey Jack, ricotta, mozzarella, Muenster, Neufchatel, queso blanco, queso fresco)
• Shredded cheese
• Low-fat cheese
• Milk and dairy products (cream, buttermilk, evaporated milk, eggnog, opened baby formula)

• Sour cream
• Yogurt
• Soy milk
• Uncooked dough (bread, cookie, rolls, biscuits)
• Cooked pasta, rice, or potatoes- Casseroles, soups, and stews
• Packaged vegetables, cooked vegetables, and vegetable juice
• Baked potatoes
• Potato salad
• Fresh cut fruit
• Jarred garlic in oil
• Custards and puddings
• Cheesecake and cream pies
• Cream-filled pastries
• Opened creamy-based dressings
• Opened marinara sauce

After eight hours above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it is reccomended to discard opened jars of mayonnaise, tartar sauce, and horseradish.

On the other hand, the following foods can be safely kept at room temperature for extended periods:

• Bread (rolls, cakes, muffins, quick breads, tortillas, waffles, pancakes, bagels)
• Hard cheeses (Cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Parmesan, provolone, Romano)
• Processed cheeses
• Fresh fruits
• Fruit juices
• Fruit pies
• Raw vegetables
• Mushrooms
• Herbs and spices
• Jelly, jam, and preserves
• Peanut butter
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Relish
• Worcestershire, soy, taco, barbecue, and hoisin sauces

• Olives and pickles
• Vinegar-based dressings

In conclusion, when experiencing a fridge malfunction or power outage, it is crucial to understand how long food can last without refrigeration. By keeping in mind the specific guidelines provided for different types of food and adhering to recommended time frames, you can minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses while ensuring a safe and enjoyable culinary experience.