- The WHO explained that during a power outage, refrigerated or frozen food might become unsafe to consume if exposed to temperatures above 5 °C for more than two hours
The World Health Organization (WHO) said foods exposed to temperatures above 5 °C (41 °F) for over two hours can become unsafe to eat.
This was contained in a series of messages posted on X.com to mark the 2024 World Food Safety Day, themed ‘Food safety: prepare for the unexpected’ on Friday.
The WHO explained that during a power outage, refrigerated or frozen food might become unsafe to consume if exposed to temperatures above 5 °C for more than two hours.
“If there has been a power outage in your area, refrigerated or frozen food may not be safe to eat. Products can become unsafe if they have been exposed to temperatures above 5 °C for more than two hours,” the organization stated.
The WHO advised discarding all perishable foods in the refrigerator after four hours of a power cut.
“Throw out all perishable foods in your fridge, such as meat, poultry, fish, and leftovers,” they cautioned. They also recommended cooking or discarding all items in the freezer that have thawed and been exposed to ambient temperatures for more than two hours.
The WHO stressed the importance of not tasting food to determine its safety.
“Never eat food to determine if it is safe. If in doubt, throw it away,” they warned.
“In case you live in areas prone to power outages, always keep a stock of pre-packaged, ready to eat and canned food, as well as bottled water for an emergency situation,” they recommended.
The WHO also noted that undamaged canned goods and commercial glass jars are likely safe but should be sanitized before use.
They advised discarding canned foods with broken seams, serious dents, or leaks, and jars with compromised integrity.
Celebrated annually on June 7, World Food Safety Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018.
The day aims to raise awareness and encourage actions to prevent, detect, and address public health risks stemming from unsafe food.
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