What every Aussie homeowner needs to know about food safety during blackouts
With the average Australian household increasing their grocery spend from $190 per week (source: Finder Consumer Sentiment Tracker) to $406 during Christmas week (source: PureProfile 2024 Christmas Report), the festive season puts a big price tag on food. But imagine the power cuts out. Your fridge is packed with seafood, ham, cheeses, pavlova –ready to feed a crowd – only to spoil. It's a sure fire way to take the magic out of Christmas.
As Australia's ageing energy grid struggles to meet soaring demand, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has flagged major blackout risks this summer. "The days over Christmas, with homes full of friends and family, fridges stocked to the brim and air conditioners running at full blast, is one of the most vulnerable times for power outages – so it pays to be ready," says Terrence Daniel, General Manager at PSS Distributors, leaders in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) technology.
Here's what you need to know about food safety if the power cuts out:
How long can food keep without power?
According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ):
- Fridge: Food stays safe in a shut-off fridge for up to four hours if you keep the door shut. After that, perishables – like meat, dairy, and leftovers – need to go.
- Freezer: A full freezer will keep food frozen for up to 48 hours (or 24 hours if only half full), as long as you leave the door closed.
- Check food temperature: Once power is restored, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of perishable foods. If it has been above 5°C for more than four hours, it's safest to discard them.
What needs to go first?
If the power's been out for more than four hours, some foods are no longer safe to eat and should be thrown away:
- Dairy: Milk, yoghurt and soft cheeses.
- Meat and seafood: Raw, cooked or thawed.
- Leftovers: Cooked meals and cut fruits or veggies spoil quickly.
What's safe for longer? Not everything has to go straight to the bin:
- Hard cheeses: Cheddar and parmesan are fine.
- Sauces and condiments: Think ketchup, mustard, jams and soy sauce.
- Whole fruits and vegetables: Uncut produce lasts longer.
- Drinks: Most unopened drinks, including milk alternatives, are safe.
How to protect your food (and save money)
With blackouts a very real possibility over the festive period, Daniel shares his top tips to save your food – and your wallet:
- Keep fridge and freezer doors shut: "Resist the urge to check your fridge constantly. Every time you open the door, you let cold air out," Daniel says. "Keep the doors closed and you buy yourself more time to save your food."
- Invest in backup power: "A battery-backup system can keep your fridge and freezer running for hours. Prices start from $1,000 for a home-size system, but it's a worthwhile long-term investment considering Australians spend over $400 on food at Christmas alone – and the battery protects your data and security systems, like smart locks and CCTV, too" says Daniel.
- Check your insurance: Many home insurance policies cover the cost of spoiled food during an unplanned power outage. Daniel suggests checking your policy before the summer heat kicks in.
- Monitor your esky: "If you move food to an esky with ice packs, monitor the temperature periodically. If it goes above 5°C for more than two hours, the safety of your food may be compromised," says Daniel.
- Have an emergency plan: "If the power is out too long, consider donating usable food to neighbours or shelters before it spoils," he says.
About us:
About PSS Distributors PSS Distributors is a trusted leader in Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) technology, offering tailored solutions that ensure businesses and homes stay powered through outages and unforeseen disruptions.
