This chart shows suggested instructions for saving or disposing of refrigerated foods when the temperature has exceeded 40° F for two hours or more.
Generally, if the power has been out for less than two hours, food is usually safe.
| Held Above 40° F/4.4° C for Over Two Hours | |
|---|---|
| Meat, Poultry, Seafood | |
| Fresh or leftover meat, poultry, fish, or seafood | Discard |
| Lunchmeats, hot dogs, bacon, sausage, dried beef | Discard |
| Cheese | |
| Soft cheeses (including cottage and cream cheese) | Discard |
| Hard cheeses (cheddar, swiss, parmesan) | Safe |
| Processed cheeses (i.e. grated parmesan in can) | Safe |
| Dairy | |
| Milk, cream, sour cream, yogurt, evaporated milk | Discard |
| Butter, margarine | Safe |
| Eggs | |
| Fresh eggs, hard-cooked in shell, egg dishes | Discard |
| Fruits & Vegetables | |
| Canned fruits - opened | Safe |
| Fresh fruits - cut | Discard |
| Fresh fruits - whole | Safe |
| Vegetables - raw | Safe |
| Vegetables - cooked | Discard |
| Sauces, Spreads, Jams | |
| Opened mayonnaise, tartar sauce, horseradish | Discard |
| Jam/jelly, mustard, ketchup | Safe |
| Opened vinegar-based dressings | Safe |
| Opened creamy-based dressings, spaghetti sauce | Discard |
