The storm around midnight on Sunday led to trees downing power lines. (Submitted/Jordan Sinclair)

By Cam Lee

Food Safety

Prolonged power outages can cause food safety issues: SHA

Jun 27, 2024 | 1:43 PM

Residents in Carrot River and surrounding areas have had to deal with the fallout from a major storm that caused some serious damage.

The storm led to a number of trees falling on power lines, helping to contribute to a lengthy power outage. Some residents were without power for over 36 hours.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is reminding residents affected by prolonged power outages to be careful about consuming frozen or refrigerated foods.

“It is important to recognize that extended power outages can affect the safety of food in refrigerators and freezers,” the SHA said in a news release.

They issued the following guidelines:

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Refrigerated Foods

Potentially hazardous foods that are above 4°C (40°F) for more than two hours should be discarded.

Frozen Foods

• Frozen Foods should be kept at -18°C (0°F). Frozen, partially thawed, or thawed foods below 4°C (40°F) can be prepared and consumed.
• Discard thawed vegetables, fish, shellfish, ice cream and frozen foods because bacteria multiply rapidly in these foods.
• Partially thawed foods that still contain ice crystals can be safely refrozen. However partial thawing and refreezing reduces the quality of most foods.
• Discard any food items with an unusual colour or odour. Remember that contaminated or hazardous foods may not look or smell bad so other precautions should be followed.

The SHA added that if food must be thrown away, document the type and amount of food and the reason it needed to be disposed of so you can provide the information to your insurance company. If you have any doubt about the food, you’re advised to throw it away.

Fridges and freezers also need to be cleaned if any food spoiled or leaked, according to the SHA. They have the following cleaning tips:

1. Empty food from the unit and discard;
2. Wash the interior of the unit and racks with warm water and detergent;
3. Sanitize the interior of the unit and racks with a solution of household bleach and water (one (1) tablespoon of bleach in six (6) cups of water—solution can be applied with a spray bottle.
4. Let sanitizing solution stand for 45 seconds and then wipe dry with a clean cloth; and,
5. Restock the unit once it has reached proper temperatures:
6. 4°C (40°F) for refrigerators
7. -18°C (0°F) for freezers.

Remember: DO NOT mix bleach with any other cleaning product! Leftover bleach solution should be poured down the drain of a sink.

The SHA cautions that restaurants, grocery stores, daycares, schools, and other public facilities have specific food safety requirements, and operators are encouraged to contact their public health inspection offices for any advice.

The town declared a State of Emergency on Tuesday, also activating an Emergency Operations Centre, with both active through July 1. In a statement on their Facebook page, the town said the declaration will help provide access to the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK