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:
| Category | Food | Held above 40°F for over 2 hours |
|---|---|---|
| MEAT/POULTRY/SEAFOOD | Raw or leftover cooked meat, poultry, fish or seafood | Discard |
| MEAT/POULTRY/SEAFOOD | Thawing meat or poultry | Discard |
| MEAT/POULTRY/SEAFOOD | Meat, tuna, shrimp, chicken or egg salad | Discard |
| MEAT/POULTRY/SEAFOOD | Leftovers | Discard |
| MEAT/POULTRY/SEAFOOD | Lunchmeats, hot dogs, bacon, sausage, dried beef | Discard |
| MEAT/POULTRY/SEAFOOD | Canned hams labeled “Keep Refrigerated,” canned meats & fish | Discard |
| CHEESE | Soft cheeses (Bleu, Roquefort, Brie, Camembert, cottage, cream, mozzarella, etc.) | Discard |
| CHEESE | Hard cheeses (Cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Parmesan, provolone, Romano) | Safe |
| CHEESE | Processed cheeses | Safe |
| CHEESE | Shredded cheeses | Discard |
| CHEESE | Low-fat cheeses | Discard |
| CHEESE | Grated Parmesan, Romano, or combination (can or jar) | Safe |
| DAIRY | Milk, cream, sour cream, buttermilk, evaporated milk, yogurt, eggnog, soy milk | Discard |
| DAIRY | Butter, margarine | Safe |
| DAIRY | Baby formula (opened) | Discard |
| EGGS | Fresh eggs, hard-cooked in shell, egg dishes, egg products | Discard |
| EGGS | Custards and puddings | Discard |
| CASSEROLES/SOUPS/STEWS | Casseroles, soups or stews | Discard |
| FRUITS | Fresh fruits (cut) | Discard |
| FRUITS | Fruit juices (opened) | Safe |
| FRUITS | Canned fruits (opened) | Safe |
| FRUITS | Fresh fruits, coconut, raisins, dried fruits, candied fruits, dates | Safe |
| SAUCES/SPREADS/JAMS | Opened mayonnaise, tartar sauce, horseradish | Discard if above 50°F for over 8 hours |
| SAUCES/SPREADS/JAMS | Peanut butter | Safe |
| SAUCES/SPREADS/JAMS | Jelly, relish, taco sauce, mustard, catsup, olives, pickles, ketchup | Safe |
| SAUCES/SPREADS/JAMS | Worcestershire, soy, barbecue, Hoisin sauces | Safe |
| SAUCES/SPREADS/JAMS | Fish sauces (oyster sauce) | Discard |
| SAUCES/SPREADS/JAMS | Opened vinegar-based dressings | Safe |
| SAUCES/SPREADS/JAMS | Opened creamy-based dressings | Discard |
| SAUCES/SPREADS/JAMS | Spaghetti sauce (opened jar) | Discard |
| GRAINS | Bread, rolls, cakes, muffins, quick breads, tortillas | Safe |
| GRAINS | Refrigerator biscuits, rolls, cookie dough | Discard |
| GRAINS | Cooked pasta, rice, potatoes | Discard |
| GRAINS | Pasta salads with mayonnaise or vinaigrette | Discard |
| GRAINS | Fresh pasta | Discard |
| GRAINS | Cheesecake | Discard |
| GRAINS | Breakfast foods - waffles, pancakes, bagels | Safe |
| PASTRIES | Pastries (cream filled) | Discard |
| PASTRIES | Pies - custard (cheese filled or chiffon), quiche | Discard |
| PASTRIES | Pies - fruit | Safe |
| VEGETABLES | Fresh mushrooms, herbs, spices | Safe |
| VEGETABLES | Greens, pre-cut, pre-washed, packaged | Discard |
| VEGETABLES | Vegetables (raw) | Safe |
| VEGETABLES | Vegetables (cooked), tofu | Discard |
| VEGETABLES | Vegetable juice (opened) | Discard |
| VEGETABLES | Baked potatoes | Discard |
| VEGETABLES | Potato salad | Discard |
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: