Mark A. McDonnell, RS, MS, Health Commissioner

Robert P. Dillaplain, MD, Medical Director

 

News Release

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

September 16, 2008                           (937) 374-5669 or 1 (866) 858-3588

 

 

Greene County Combined Health District Recommends Proper

Food Handling After Power is Restored

(Xenia, OH)  The Greene County Combined Health District (GCCHD) wants the community to be informed about potentially hazardous health conditions concerning the consumption of contaminated food.  Consumers should pay close attention to food that has thawed out due to the prolonged loss of electrical power.  As always, WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT!

Food Safety

·        Previously frozen or refrigerated perishable foods that have been held at 41° F or more for over 2-4 hours should be discarded and are not be safe to eat, even if thoroughly cooked.

·        Frozen foods that still contain ice crystals or remains at 41° F or less may be refrozen. 

·        Mayonnaise, tartar sauce and horseradish that have been at 50° F or more for over 8 hours should be discarded as they may not be safe to eat.

·        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. 

·        A freezer that is half full of frozen food will only hold up to 24-hours and a full freezer will hold food up to 48-hours.  Dry ice can be placed in a freezer on boards or heavy paper on top of packages to keep temperatures below freezing.  Allow 2.5 pounds of dry ice per cubic foot of space.  More will be needed in an upright freezer because dry ice should be placed on each shelf.  Dry ice can cause burns – DON’T HANDLE DRY ICE WITH BARE HANDS.

·        If raw food has leaked during thawing, clean and disinfect the areas the food has touched using a chlorine bleach solution (˝-cap per 1-gallon of water).  To absorb any lingering odors, place an open box or dish of baking soda into the appliance.

·        After power is restored, just because a food service operation has lights, may not mean they are open and ready to serve food.  Many restaurants, grocery stores, etc. have been without power for over 48 hours and they will likely need to discard food, clean and disinfect their facilities and have new food supplies delivered prior to being ready to serve food. 

For more information 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