Refreeze v. Toss When Power Goes Out

A BigThank You to the Texas Cooperative Extension of Texas A&M!


EXAMPLE ...FOOD---

• If Ice Crystals are Present 
• If Food Has Been Thawed And Has been at 40*F or Warmer for 2hours or Longer 

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Meat, Poultry, Pork, Ground Meats, and Seafood (Organ Meat Included) ----

• REFREEZE
• THROW OUT

Casseroles, Soups, and Stews ---

• REFREEZE 
• THROW OUT

Fish, Shellfish, and breaded Seafood Products ---

• REFREEZE (There may be loss of texture or flavor)
• THROW OUT

Milk ---

• REFREEZE
• THROW OUT

Egg Products ---

• REFREEZE
• THROW OUT

Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt ---

• THROW OUT
• THROW OUT

Cheese (Soft and Semi-Soft) ---

• REFREEZE
• THROW OUT

Cheese (Hard) ---

• REFREEZE
• REFREEZE

Cheese (Shredded) ---

• REFREEZE
• THROW OUT

Cheesecake ---

• REFREEZE 
• THROW OUT

Fruit Juice ---

• REFREEZE
• THROW OUT (If mold, yeasty smell, or slime develop)

Vegetable Juice ---

• REFREEZE
• THROW OUT (If temperature is above 40*F for more than 6 hours)

Fruits (Home or Commercially Packaged) ---

• REFREEZE (Texture or flavor may change)
• THROW OUT (If mold, yeasty smell, or slime develop)

Vegetables (Home or Commercially Packaged) ---

• REFREEZE (Texture or flavor may change)
• THROW OUT (If temperature is above 40*F for more than 6 hours)

Breads, Rolls, Muffins, Cakes (No Custard Fillings) ---

• REFREEZE
• REFREEZE

Pie Crusts, Bread Dough (Commercial or Homemade) ---

• REFREEZE (Quality may be reduced)
• CAN BE REFROZEN (Quality will be POOR)

Flour, cornmeal, nuts ---

• REFREEZE
• REFREEZE

Waffles, Pancakes, or Bagels --- 

• REFREEZE
• REFREEZE

Frozen Meals, TV Dinners, and other Convenience Foods ---

• REFREEZE
• THROW OUT

OTHER TIPS FOR FREEZER STORAGE DURING POWER OUTAGES!:

• Group food together to ensure cold temperature
• Group meat and poultry together and place on lower shelves so that juices will not contaminate other foods if they begin to thaw.
• Open the freezer only when necessary and work quickly when the door is open.

REFRIGERATOR!!:

Foods in the refrigerator should be safe to eat as long as the power was not out for more than 4 hours. Keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible. If the refrigerator teperature has been at 40*F or higher for more than 2 hours, the following foods should be thrown out.:

• Any Meat (fish, poultry, seafood, pork, eggs, or soy-including dishes or salads)
• Lunch Meats, Hot Dogs, Bacon, Sausage, or Dried Beef
• Pizza
• Canned Hams labeled "Keep Refrigerated"
• Canned meats and fish that have been opened
• Soft cheeses (includes Monterey, Jack, Mozzarella, Brie, Blue, Cottage, Cream, Ricotta, Neufachatel, and queso blanco fresco)
• Shredded Cheeses
• Low Fat Cheeses