The blackouts are always detached us. When the light goes down, the TV shuts down, the watches stop and the house plunges into silence. But there is a silent concern that quickly gains prominence: what happens to the food that is in the fridge and the freezer? This question, which at first glance may seem secondary, is more serious than many imagine.
The cold that protects until it disappears
Cold is always one of the best allies in food conservation. It is he who prevents the growth of bacteria that cause food poisoning. But this protective effect disappears rapidly as soon as the temperature rises above four degrees. And just a blackout with some duration to make it happen.
The time that food holds without electricity
According to international recommendations, cited by a closed refrigerator keeps the food safe up to about four hours. The freezer, if it is half full, keeps the food for up to twenty -four hours. When it is completely full, it can endure up to forty -eight hours. These deadlines are approximate, but give a good idea of the security limits.
The temptation to open can come out face
It is natural to want to check if everything is still in good condition, but opening the door at these times compromises the thermal insulation of the device. Each opening lets in hot air and do this several times shorten considerably the conservation time of food. In a blackout, keeping the doors tightly closed is halfway through not to lose what is stored.
How to know if the food is still safe
When electricity comes back, there are always doubts about what may or may not be used, the same source says. In general, if foods are still cold to touch or, in the case of frozen, if they keep ice crystals, they are likely to continue their own consumption. But if there is a change in smell, aspect or texture, it is best not to risk. A spoiled meal can have more serious consequences than simple waste.
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Small strategies for future blackouts
Although electricity cuts are unpredictable, it is possible to adopt measures that help minimize damage. Keeping the freezer well supplied, even with frozen water bottles, increases its ability to conserve the cold. It is also worth organizing the refrigerator by categories, so that if it is even necessary to open, know exactly where is what is sought.
The truth about the myth of the “48 hours”
Some believe that foods always hold a day or two without electricity, but this idea is far from reality. In the refrigerator, it is enough for a few hours for the temperature to exceed safe limits. In the freezer, yes, there may be more margin, but only if it is full and tightly closed. Trusting pocket rules can be expensive when health is at stake. The myth of the “48 hours”, as the RFM calls it, is therefore unreal.
Better than remedy
In a country where phenomena like blackouts can happen again without warning, knowing these basic rules is essential. Knowing how long food may be cold, without risks, is more than a curiosity, it is a practical way to protect family health and avoid problems that could have been avoided with some information.
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