How long food stays safe in a fridge and freezer without power, when to throw out meat, dairy and eggs, and what Health Canada says about refreezing.
- An unopened fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours, a full freezer about 48 hours, and a half full freezer about 24 hours.
- Throw away food that has been at room temperature for 2 hours or more, and never rely on smell or taste.
- Food with ice crystals or that still feels fridge cold can be refrozen, and should be cooked to safe temperatures.
Meat, dairy and eggs are what people worry about most when the power goes out. This page follows Health Canada guidance, in the order you face the decisions.
The clock starts when the power stops
Health Canada says an unopened refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours, a full freezer about 48 hours and a half full freezer about 24 hours. Every door opening shortens that. Note the time the power went out. Keep the fridge at or below 4 degrees C (40 F) and the freezer at or below minus 18 degrees C (0 F).
If the outage will be long
Move food to a friend's or relative's fridge or freezer that still has power. Do not put food outside, even in winter: animals can contaminate it and sunlight can thaw it.
The two hour rule
Meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, eggs and cooked leftovers must stay cold. Throw away food that has been at room temperature for 2 hours or more. Also throw out anything with an unusual colour or smell, but do not rely on your nose: contamination does not always cause bad smells. When in doubt, throw it out, and do not taste food to decide.
What you can refreeze
When power returns, check the freezer first. Food that still has ice crystals or feels as cold as a refrigerator can be refrozen, and should be cooked to safe internal temperatures, checked with a digital food thermometer. Cooking does not rescue food that sat warm for 2 hours or more.
Prepare before the next outage
Keep thermometers in both appliances, keep the freezer full and stock no cook foods. See preparing your freezer. People who are pregnant, older, very young or have weakened immunity are at higher risk, so talk to a health provider if you are concerned.
Quick answers
Can I keep food outside in the snow?
No. Health Canada says not to put frozen food outside, even in winter, because animals can contaminate it and sunlight can thaw it.
Can I tell by smelling if food is safe?
No. Contamination does not always cause a bad smell, so when in doubt, throw it out.
What if someone gets sick after eating outage food?
Contact a health professional.