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Pennsylvania State Health Secretary Says Residents Affected By Extended Power Outages Should Use Good Food Safety Practices

Posted on: Wednesday, 19 July 2006, 21:00 CDT

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- State Health Secretary Dr. Calvin Johnson today reminded residents in southeastern Pennsylvania to remember good food safety, especially because of extended power outages.

"Due to severe thunderstorms, high winds and hot temperatures over the past couple of days, widespread power outages are being experienced throughout parts of southeastern Pennsylvania," Dr. Johnson said. "During and after a power outage -- especially in periods of high heat -- the chances of becoming sick from food contaminated with bacteria increases significantly.

"It is important for everyone to pay attention to the temperature and condition of their food supplies once the temperature of their frozen or refrigerated food gets above 40 degrees Fahrenheit."

The following tips will help to keep refrigerated food as fresh as possible during a power outage:

* Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Food in the refrigerator will stay cold for up to four hours if unopened. A full freezer will maintain its temperature for up to 48 hours (24 hours if half full) if the door is kept closed. * Buying dry or block ice will keep the refrigerator as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for a prolonged period of time. * If you plan to eat refrigerated or frozen meat, poultry, fish or eggs while they are still at safe temperatures (41 degrees Fahrenheit or below), make sure that the food is thoroughly cooked to the proper temperature to ensure that any food-borne bacteria that may be present is destroyed. * Before eating fruits and vegetables, wash them thoroughly using safe water source.

Once power is restored, determine the safety of your food. If a thermometer was kept in the freezer and reads 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, your food is safe and may be refrozen. If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, check each package of food to determine its safety. Do not rely on appearance or odor. If the food contains ice crystals or is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, it is safe to refreeze or cook; discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs or leftovers) that has been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more and keep in mind, perishable food such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, and eggs that are not kept adequately refrigerated or frozen may cause illness if consumed, even when they are thoroughly cooked.

Dr. Johnson also pointed out that as extremely hot, humid weather is forecast across the state this week; all Pennsylvanians need to take the necessary precautions to remain healthy and safe.

"In addition to food safety concerns, Pennsylvanians need to keep in mind the health risks associated with periods of high temperatures," Dr. Johnson said. "Heat exhaustion and the more severe -- sometimes fatal -- heat stroke are unfortunate reminders of just how dangerous this severe heat can be, especially among our most vulnerable citizens."

People should drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids such as water -- even if not thirsty; dress appropriately in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day; and postpone strenuous activity and work until later in the day when the temperature drops.

Find more information about food safety tips by visiting http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/. Additional contact information and hot weather safety tips are available through the state Department of Aging Web site at http://www.aging.state.pa.us/ or by calling the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH or visiting the Web site at http://www.health.state.pa.us/.

CONTACT: Troy Thompson (Health) 717-787-1783 Stephanie Myers (Ag) 717-787-5085

Pennsylvania Department of Health; Pennsylvania Department of

CONTACT: Troy Thompson, Pennsylvania Department of Health,+1-717-787-1783; Stephanie Myers, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture,+1-717-787-5085

Web site: http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/http://www.aging.state.pa.us/http://www.health.state.pa.us/

Source: PRNewswire

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