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Date Published: 29/04/2025

What foods to toss from your fridge after the blackout

Since the power was out for several hours across Spain, lots of food is now unsafe to eat

When the lights went out in Spain and Portugal on Monday April 28, it was a harsh reminder of how much we rely on electricity to keep our lives running smoothly. It was impossible to get in touch with loved ones or check the news to see what was happening, and all of our household appliances had an impromptu day off.

But now that most of the country is back up and running, one of the biggest concerns is what to do with all the perishable food in our refrigerators and freezers.

During a blackout, the rule of thumb is to keep the fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible to preserve the cold, but if the power outage lasts more than a few hours, some foods are no longer safe to eat.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), if your refrigerator has been without power for more than four hours and the temperature has risen above 4°C, it's time to get rid of certain foods.

The list of discards includes raw or cooked meats, salads with eggs or meat, cold cuts, stews, soups and soft cheeses like Brie or mozzarella. Dairy products like milk, yogurt and sour cream are also on the chopping block, as are egg-based dishes like custards and quiches.

On the other hand, some foods are safe to keep even if the refrigerator has lost its chill. These include hard cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan, butter, uncut fresh fruits, opened canned goods, sauces like mustard and ketchup and breads and pastries that don't contain cream.

The reason for these guidelines is simple: bacterial growth. When food is left at temperatures above 4°C, bacteria that cause food-borne illness can multiply rapidly, making certain products a health hazard.

The blackout is a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies.

Just last month, the EU recommended that every home have an emergency kit with essentials like medicines, batteries and enough food and water to last for 72 hours. It may have seemed like an extreme measure at the time, but in light of recent events, it's clear that being prepared is always better than being caught off guard.

According to the European Commission, a well-stocked emergency kit should include a list of items that can help you survive for three days without external assistance in the event of a crisis.

Also of interest: Spain declares emergency in Murcia, Valencia, Andalucía and more, but what does that really mean?

Image: Pexels

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