In a new report the authority provides a number of recommendations for how to handle food in the refrigerator before, during and after a power outage.
Firstly, one should have it properly cold, preferably 4 degrees. Then it takes several hours longer before the temperature reaches a level where bacteria start to multiply.
At the same time, one should ensure to have a refrigerator thermometer that is independent of electricity, and place cooling pads or plastic bottles with water in the freezer in preparation.
When the power outage has begun, one should note the time if possible, so that one knows how long the refrigerator has been off. Avoid opening the refrigerator door unnecessarily.
If the power outage has lasted for four to seven hours, most things are usually still okay. Here it is a matter of looking, smelling and tasting to see if the goods can be eaten, provided that one does not belong to a risk group with impaired immune system.
After a day or so, the milk may have become inedible, but it is still okay to taste. The risk of getting sick from the food is still low, with a few exceptions.
If the temperature reaches room temperature and the refrigerator has been off for over ten hours, it's time to throw away fish, shellfish, meat and food boxes.
