Food Safety Advisories

Food safety specialists from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries are extending their hours at offices across the province again today, Nov. 16, to help answer specific questions that individuals may have concerning food safety in the wake of the weekend storm.

The Emergency Measures Organization is also warning residents to take precautions when determining if the food in their fridge or freezer is safe after power is restored to their homes. Officials are also reminding Nova Scotians who are without electricity that propane and liquid fuel camp stoves should only be used outdoors.

Food safety specialists will be available at Department of Agriculture and Fisheries offices until 10 p.m. today, Nov. 16, to answer specific questions. They are available at the following telephone numbers: Halifax: 424-1173 Bridgewater: 527-5380 Truro: 893-7473 Yarmouth: 742-0614 Kentville: 679-6013 Annapolis Valley Region: 584-2080 Pictou: 485-7162

The following public safety information has been developed by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to answer general questions about food safety:

Perishable Foods:
Perishable foods such as meat, fish, poultry, cooked vegetables, pasta, rice, and dairy products, or any leftovers containing these products, that are stored in your refrigerator freezer compartment may now have thawed. These products will remain safe for several days as long as the food temperature does not exceed 40F for longer than two hours. If the perishable foods in your refrigerator freezer or chest freezer have exceeded this temperature for a period longer than two hours, they may be unsafe to eat and should be discarded.

If they have not exceeded this time or temperature, one way to prolong the safety of the food is to store it in containers outside in a shady area, surrounded by snow or ice.

Frozen Foods:
Foods in a fully stocked or upright freezer will remain frozen for up to two days, a half-filled freezer will remain frozen for about one day.

To prolong this time, keep the door of the freezer closed as much as possible, cover the freezer with blankets to help insulate and keep it cold.

When the power is restored, some foods may be refrozen if ice crystals are still present, or the foods have not exceeded 40F. Most frozen foods can be refrozen, but the quality may not be as good. Foods that have exceeded a temperature of 40F for over two hours should be discarded.

Officials from Nova Scotia Environment and Labour have also advised private well owners to use boiled or bottled water if they cannot access their well water due to power outages. Water from lakes or rivers may not be safe for consumption. Officials say if there is any doubt, the best policy is to boil the water for at least one minute before consuming. Questions about water, especially well water, should be directed to the department at 1-877-936-8476. Municipal water utilities are continuing to supply water that is safe for human consumption. If any safety concerns arise, municipalities will inform residents.

Additional information concerning food safety during a power outage is available on the department's food safety website at www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf/foodsafety/factsht/powerout.htm .