During a power outage lasting for four days, perishable food items in your refrigerator may have spoiled and become unsafe to consume. Here are some general guidelines on what to toss from your refrigerator after such an extended power outage:
Perishable Dairy Products: Discard milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products if the power was out for more than two hours.
Meat and Seafood: Any raw or cooked meat, poultry, fish, or seafood should be thrown away if the refrigerator temperature was above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours.
Eggs: Eggs can spoil quickly if not refrigerated, so discard them if the temperature inside the refrigerator was above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours.
Cut Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables that were cut or peeled and were stored in the refrigerator should be thrown away if the power outage lasted for more than four hours.
Leftovers and Cooked Foods: Any perishable leftovers or cooked foods, such as soups, stews, and casseroles, should be discarded if the refrigerator temperature was above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours.
Condiments and Other Items: Some condiments and items with high acidity levels may be safe to keep, but it's best to use your judgment and check for any signs of spoilage or strange smells.
For frozen food in the freezer, if the power outage lasted for four days, the items in the freezer may not be safe to consume either. If the freezer still contains ice crystals and feels cold to the touch, the food may be refrozen. However, if the freezer has completely thawed and reached temperatures above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours, it's best to discard the frozen food as well.
Always prioritize safety when it comes to food storage. When in doubt, throw it out to avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses. It's unfortunate to waste food, but your health and well-being are the top priority.