With the arrival of colder days, many people choose to store food outside. They use a low temperature to preserve the freshness of food. They often turn the balcony into a kind of emergency cooling space. However, this can cause problems, writes the Polish portal .
During the Christmas season, when there is usually more than enough food and the thermometers show only a few degrees, it often happens that different types of meat, salads or ready meals end up outside the house – on the balcony, terrace or in the garage. However, for several reasons, this solution can be quite risky.
Food storage on the balcony
Expert Katarzyna Bosacka points out that storing food on the balcony can only be safe if the temperature remains stable. In practice, the control of these conditions is very difficult. “Sudden freezing and thawing of food is not safe for our health,” she pointed out.
This is especially true of delicacies that should not be frozen, such as salads with mayonnaise or cakes with cream. The process of freezing, gentle thawing and subsequent re-freezing promotes the growth of bacteria. The result can sometimes be poisoning.
It should also be remembered that even if the temperature is low outside, during clear winter days, food displayed on the balcony can heat up from the sun. As a result, it doesn’t actually keep cool enough. Additionally, storing food outdoors exposes it to polluted air and exhaust fumes, which is particularly problematic in urban areas.
A tempting delicacy for animals
However, this is not the only threat. Food displayed on the balcony or in the garage becomes easily accessible to animals. It is not only pets that can be harmed by the consumption of certain foods, but also rodents, birds or insects. These animals can carry microorganisms dangerous to humans, including salmonella bacteria.
Food should only be stored on the balcony, terrace or in the garage for a short time, while it is important to monitor the weather and secure it appropriately. It is worth using airtight containers or tightly weighting them on the lid of the pot.
Storing food during a power outage
Sometimes it is necessary to take food out due to a power outage. As the US Department of Agriculture reminds us, an unclosed refrigerator can maintain a safe temperature for about four hours, while a full freezer can maintain a safe temperature for up to 48 hours. In such a case, it is recommended to act calmly and not to rush.
