The severe weather season is starting early this year; the season normally begins in March. Today there were devastating storms in the Southeast. We all know that the Red Cross, police, and government officials move into affected areas to help the residents and prevent looting. But did you know that food safety inspectors visit these areas after a storm too?
Government inspectors move into an area after a storm to check on damage and especially power outages at grocery stores and restaurants to make sure the food stored there is safe. If any products have been damaged, or their safety compromised, they are removed from the consumer marketplace and destroyed.
If you live in an area affected by severe weather, follow in the inspector’s steps. The FSIS has food safety tips for areas hit by severe storms.Here are some of the most important tips:
- Never taste a food to determine if it’s safe or not.
- If a food has come into contact with flood water, discard it.
- Food will stay safe in a fridge for 4 hours; a freezer, 24 to 48 hours. But keep the doors closed on both appliances.
- If you lose power, you can use your mobile phone to Ask Karen, a government service.
- When in doubt, throw it out!
