Infrastructure failures
When Should Refrigerated Food Be Discarded During a Long Power Outage?
A closed refrigerator generally keeps food cold for about four hours; after that discard refrigerated perishables. A closed full freezer holds temperature about 48 hours, or 24 hours if half full.
SharedMorrow Editorial · Last reviewed 2026-10-05
Direct answer
A closed refrigerator generally keeps food cold for about four hours; after that discard refrigerated perishables. A closed full freezer holds temperature about 48 hours, or 24 hours if half full.
Start here
Record when power failed and keep doors closed; if you have an appliance thermometer, note whether the refrigerator stayed at or below 4°C/40°F. After four hours, discard perishable refrigerated meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cooked food, and leftovers.
Work through the decision
Frozen food that still has ice crystals or is at or below 4°C may usually be refrozen or cooked; discard perishable food that thawed and warmed.
Common mistake
Judge items with the official food-safety chart rather than one rule for everything; treat flood-contact food as contaminated separately. Never taste food to decide safety; smell, color, and appearance cannot rule out pathogens. Outdoor snow is not controlled, sanitary refrigeration.
When to stop and get help
Use a conservative decision for food intended for infants, pregnancy, older adults, or immunocompromised people, and when time or temperature is unknown.
Next step
Keep coolers at or below 4°C, and never return a container used for fuel or chemicals to food use.