Food safety advice for people without power in their homes

MEDIA RELEASE

September 12, 2013

Food safety advice for people without power in their homes

The Community and Public Health Division of the Canterbury District Health Board is reminding people to be careful consuming perishable foods, following recent electricity outages in the region caused by the weather event on Tuesday night.

Dr Alistair Humphrey, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health says many homes throughout Canterbury are still without power following the high winds overnight on Tuesday, increasing the risk of food spoiling quickly and presenting a health hazard.

“To minimise risk to health, householders without power should eat perishable food in their fridges first, and frozen food last,” Dr Humphrey says.

Freezers should be kept closed for as long as possible to keep the food frozen. Do not refreeze food once power returns. If in doubt, dispose of the food, Dr Humphrey says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media