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Following Outages, Putnam Health Dept. Issues Guidelines On Food Safety

PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. -- If your power went out during the recent storm, you might want to check your fridge and freezer, according to the Putnam County Department Of Health.

The Putnam County Department of Health offered guidelines of what to do with food following a power outage.

The Putnam County Department of Health offered guidelines of what to do with food following a power outage.

Photo Credit: File

Bacteria can easily grow in many foods at temperatures above 41 degrees Fahrenheit and make people ill, the Department of Health said.

Foods such as eggs, milk, meats, chicken, seafood, cooked leftovers, gravies, soups, or products with these ingredients, must be discarded if temperatures exceeded 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 2 hours, according to the Department of Health.

Other foods such as fruits, vegetables, juices, cheeses, and condiments, may be stored above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended time. Check appearance, odor, texture, and color before eating, according to the Department of Health.

For frozen foods, if the freezer thermometer reads 40° F or below, the food is safe and may be refrozen. Refreezing may cause a loss in nutrition, taste or quality, according to the Department of Health.

Frozen foods that have completely thawed and have been warmed to temperatures above 41 degrees Fahrenheit should be discarded, according to the Department of Health.

"When in doubt, throw it out," the Department of Health said.

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