The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing recommendations for residents in states that might be affected by Hurricane Irene to minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses in the event of power outages, flooding, and other problems that could be associated with the storm.
“Hurricanes not only pose dangers to people’s physical safety, but the resulting power outages and other effects of hurricanes also can affect the safety of the food people may rely upon after hurricanes strike,” said FSIS Administrator Al Almanza. “The American public should be aware of things they can do to protect the safety of their food before and after natural events.”
Steps to follow to prepare for a possible weather emergency:
• Keep an appliance thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer. An appliance thermometer will indicate the temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer in case of a power outage and help determine the safety of the food.
