The electricity supply will be interrupted this Sunday, November 9th, in several areas of the country, affecting thousands of domestic and business consumers. The interruption, which will take place between 5 am and 11 am, was announced by E-Redes and should affect municipalities such as Lisbon, Oeiras, Sintra, Tomar, Faro, Lagos and Olhão. According to the company, the temporary suspension of service is due to scheduled work on the distribution network.
Thinking about the consequences that a lack of energy can bring, especially for food preservation, the Food and Economic Security Authority (ASAE) created, together with the Portuguese Hotel, Restaurant and Similar Association (AHRESP), a guide of good practices that indicates how to act during and after an electrical failure. The recommendations are aimed at catering establishments, but are equally useful for families.
Small gestures that help avoid waste
Before any planned interruption, it is possible to minimize losses with some simple precautions. Expresso cites this guide which explains that keeping a reserve of ice or thermal accumulators in the freezer helps to prolong refrigeration in the event of an electrical failure. It is also useful to organize food by type, separating perishables from the rest, to facilitate sorting if you need to throw something away.
According to the same source, these practices are especially relevant in restaurants and hotels, but they can also be applied at home. Prevention, reminds ASAE, is the most effective way to guarantee food safety and reduce waste during a temporary power outage.
What to do while the fridge is off
According to the same source, the fundamental rule is to keep the refrigerator closed during periods without electricity. The equipment can preserve the cold for around four hours if it is not opened. Each opening accelerates temperature loss and increases the risk of spoilage of perishable foods such as meat, fish, dairy products and ready-to-eat meals.
ASAE and AHRESP also advise that, before interruption, the most sensitive products are grouped in the coldest areas of the refrigerator. According to the same source, having thermometers in equipment can help confirm whether the temperature remains safe after power is restored.
Freezer: how long it lasts and what can be used
When it comes to the freezer, the resistance time is longer. According to ASAE, a full freezer with a good seal maintains the temperature for up to 48 hours, but if it is only half full, the time is reduced to around 24 hours.
Food that has completely or partially defrosted should not be refrozen. They should be consumed as soon as possible, as long as they do not show any changes in color or smell. Products that remain below -15 degrees or are only partially frozen may remain safe for consumption.
How to discard what is no longer good
When there are doubts about the safety of food, authorities recommend immediate disposal. According to , products that show signs of deterioration must be isolated from the rest and identified as unfit for consumption. The measure, reinforces ASAE, is essential to avoid risks of contamination, especially in restaurant establishments.
The same source also highlights that the “if in doubt, discard” rule should be applied by both professionals and domestic consumers. The goal is to ensure that only safe food is kept after the power is cut.
With E-Redes’ work scheduled for this Sunday, authorities remember that simple preparation can make the difference between preserving or losing what is in the refrigerator. Planning, monitoring temperature and respecting safety guidelines are the keys to overcoming the blackout without food losses.
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