Mark A. McDonnell, RS, MS, Health Commissioner

Robert P. Dillaplain, MD, Medical Director

News Release

For Immediate Release Contact: Shannon Taylor, Asst. Public Information Officer

September 15, 2008 (937) 374-5669 or 1 (866) 858-3588

POWER OUTAGES MAY MEAN FOOD SPOILAGE

“WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT”

(XENIA, OH) With numerous households, restaurants, schools, grocery stores and businesses left without electricity after the high wind storm yesterday, the Greene County Combined Health District (GCCHD) is providing the following recommendations to help minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses due to the power outages. Power failures pose an additional risk where food supplies may become contaminated, damaged or spoiled.

· Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A freezer that is half full will hold up to 24 hours and a full freezer for 48 hours.

· Pack refrigerated milk, dairy products, meats, fish, poultry, eggs, gravy, stuffing and left-overs into a cooler surrounded by ice.

· Butter/margarine, hard and processed cheeses, canned fruits and fresh fruits, fresh mushrooms, herbs and spices, fruit pies, breads/rolls/cakes/etc., opened jelly/relish/mustard/catsup/taco & barbeque sauces may all be kept.

· Any refrigerated perishable foods held above 41° F for over 2-4 hours should be discarded. Mayonnaise, tartar sauce and horseradish held at 50° F or more for over 8 hours should be discarded.

· NEVER taste a food to determine its safety and do not eat any food you think may be unsafe. Safest approach is when in doubt, throw it out.

· Food that still contains ice crystals or is 41° F or less may be refrozen.

· If raw food has leaked during thawing, clean and disinfect the areas the food has touched.

· Restaurants, grocery stores, and any other business selling perishable food items must discard any such food items that have been above 41° F for more than 4 hours. Such food items shall not be used in any fashion and must be discarded. Thawed frozen foods may be used ONLY if the food has not been above 41° F for more than 4 hours. Any questions, contact the Greene County Combined Health District for guidance. Prevent potential foodborne illnesses by throwing away any food that is in doubt.

Handouts providing more detailed information are available at the Greene County Combined Health District by stopping by our offices at 360 Wilson Drive, Xenia. For additional information, please contact the Environmental Health Division at (937) 374-5606.

Greene County Combined Health District – Your center for public health services and health information in Greene County for over 80 years.

Healthy People…Healthy Communities

360 Wilson Drive

Xenia, OH 45385

937-374-5600 * 866-858-3588 * Fax 937-374-5675