With hundreds of households without power for several days now, the issue of spoiled food, and how to deal with it, has become important.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts reminds residents that fridges and freezers will only keep food safe for so long without electricity.
Naturally, during a power outage, it's best to avoid opening refrigerators and freezers unless absolutely necessary. A full freezer will keep food frozen for approximately 48 hours, the health unit says, while a freezer that is half full will keep food frozen for about 24 hours.
An unopened refrigerator will only keep for cold for approximately four hours.
Carefully inspect all food items at higher risk of spoilage and don't consume any you think it might not be safe. Discard perishable foods that have been unrefrigerated for more than two hours and those with an unusual odour or texture. Keep in mind that food contaminated with bacteria might not look or smell spoiled — when in doubt, throw it out.
However, now that several days have elapsed, many residents in New Sudbury will have spoiled food that needs to be thrown out, particularly as the heat wave lingers.
The city is offering to help. If you have a significant amount of spoiled food due to the power outage caused by Monday's storm, you can call 3-1-1 to make arrangements for a special food waste pick up.
Simply call the city to make arrangements, rather than waiting to put it out at the curb.
