With power outages impacting millions of homes in Florida during Hurricane Milton, many are likely looking at the food in their fridges and wondering whether it's safe to eat.
According to the USDA, frozen food can be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F or below.
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In addition, below is a list of refrigerated food items and whether they should be discarded if held above 40°F for over two hours:
CategoryFoodHeld above 40°F for over 2 hoursMEAT/POULTRY/SEAFOODRaw or leftover cooked meat, poultry, fish or seafoodDiscardMEAT/POULTRY/SEAFOODThawing meat or poultryDiscardMEAT/POULTRY/SEAFOODMeat, tuna, shrimp, chicken or egg saladDiscardMEAT/POULTRY/SEAFOODLeftoversDiscardMEAT/POULTRY/SEAFOODLunchmeats, hot dogs, bacon, sausage, dried beefDiscardMEAT/POULTRY/SEAFOODCanned hams labeled "Keep Refrigerated," canned meats & fishDiscardCHEESESoft cheeses (Bleu, Roquefort, Brie, Camembert, cottage, cream, mozzarella, etc.)DiscardCHEESEHard cheeses (Cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Parmesan, provolone, Romano)SafeCHEESEProcessed cheesesSafeCHEESEShredded cheesesDiscardCHEESELow-fat cheesesDiscardCHEESEGrated Parmesan, Romano, or combination (can or jar)SafeDAIRYMilk, cream, sour cream, buttermilk, evaporated milk, yogurt, eggnog, soy milkDiscardDAIRYButter, margarineSafeDAIRYBaby formula (opened)DiscardEGGSFresh eggs, hard-cooked in shell, egg dishes, egg productsDiscardEGGSCustards and puddingsDiscardCASSEROLES/SOUPS/STEWSCasseroles, soups or stewsDiscardFRUITSFresh fruits (cut)DiscardFRUITSFruit juices (opened)SafeFRUITSCanned fruits (opened)SafeFRUITSFresh fruits, coconut, raisins, dried fruits, candied fruits, datesSafeSAUCES/SPREADS/JAMSOpened mayonnaise, tartar sauce, horseradishDiscard if above 50°F for over 8 hoursSAUCES/SPREADS/JAMSPeanut butterSafeSAUCES/SPREADS/JAMSJelly, relish, taco sauce, mustard, catsup, olives, pickles, ketchupSafeSAUCES/SPREADS/JAMSWorcestershire, soy, barbecue, Hoisin saucesSafeSAUCES/SPREADS/JAMSFish sauces (oyster sauce)DiscardSAUCES/SPREADS/JAMSOpened vinegar-based dressingsSafeSAUCES/SPREADS/JAMSOpened creamy-based dressingsDiscardSAUCES/SPREADS/JAMSSpaghetti sauce (opened jar)DiscardGRAINSBread, rolls, cakes, muffins, quick breads, tortillasSafeGRAINSRefrigerator biscuits, rolls, cookie doughDiscardGRAINSCooked pasta, rice, potatoesDiscardGRAINSPasta salads with mayonnaise or vinaigretteDiscardGRAINSFresh pastaDiscardGRAINSCheesecakeDiscardGRAINSBreakfast foods - waffles, pancakes, bagelsSafePASTRIESPastries (cream filled)DiscardPASTRIESPies - custard (cheese filled or chiffon), quicheDiscardPASTRIESPies - fruitSafeVEGETABLESFresh mushrooms, herbs, spicesSafeVEGETABLESGreens, pre-cut, pre-washed, packagedDiscardVEGETABLESVegetables (raw)SafeVEGETABLESVegetables (cooked), tofuDiscardVEGETABLESVegetable juice (opened)DiscardVEGETABLESBaked potatoesDiscardVEGETABLESPotato saladDiscard
However, the USDA's most crucial tip is: "When in doubt, throw it out!"
Check out the Florida Foodie podcast. You can find every episode in the media player below: