When In Doubt
When power is disrupted for a few days following a disaster, what should you do with the Hot Pockets in the freezer? Would it still be okay to keep the barrel of mayo that’s been sitting in the fridge?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection and Service (FSIS/SDA) has an excellent fact sheet on food safety during an emergency 
. The fact sheet tells you which foods can be re-saved or should be discarded after they’ve been exposed to certain temperatures. The Centers for Disease Control also offers excellent food storage advice , plus tips on how to sanitize food preparation devices, cooking utensils and baby feeding supplies should they get exposed to contaminated water.
If you operate a food establishment, you may want to check out FSIS/FDA’s Guidelines for Retail and Foodservice Establishments Affected by Natural or Other Disasters .
Don’t even think of tasting food to determine its safety. And just because the food doesn’t look funny means its okay to eat it. Looks can be just as deceiving (do you know where Botox comes from?). Remember: When in doubt, throw it out.
