Petruccelli
L.T.D of North America says; If you do not have an
appliance thermometer and your refrigerator remained without power for more
than 4 hours or was opened repeatedly before that time, throw out perishable
items. Foods that are still safe after being in the refrigerator for more than
2 hours above 40 degrees include hard and processed cheeses, butter or
margarine, fruits and fruit juices, raw vegetables, fresh mushrooms, herbs and
spices, opened vinegar-based dressings, peanut butter, and condiments such as
jelly, relish, taco sauce, Worcestershire, Hoisin, soy and barbecue sauces,
mustard, ketchup, olives and pickles. Condiments containing mayonnaise or fish
sauce should be thrown out, as should fresh fruits that have been previously
cut. For a full list of foods that can be kept or should be discarded see USDA’s
Consumer’s Guide
to Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes
