Food in a closed fridge is generally safe for about 4 hours without power; a full freezer can keep food safe for 24–48 hours , depending on how packed it is and whether doors stay shut. Beyond that, many perishable foods become unsafe even if they still look or smell okay.

How long food lasts without power

  • In a refrigerator (door closed):
    • Up to about 4 hours at or below 40°F is considered safe for most perishable foods like meat, dairy, eggs, and leftovers.
* After 4 hours above 40°F, many high‑risk foods should be thrown out to avoid foodborne illness.
  • In a freezer (door closed):
    • Full freezer: about 48 hours of safe temperature.
* Half‑full freezer: about 24 hours.

The key factor is how long the food stays above about 40°F, not just how long the power is off.

What you should toss vs. keep

Usually throw out after 4+ hours without power in the fridge:

  • Raw or cooked meat, poultry, fish
  • Dairy: milk, soft cheeses, yogurt, cream, sour cream
  • Eggs and egg dishes
  • Cooked leftovers, casseroles, cooked vegetables
  • Cut fruits and cut vegetables

Often safe longer (if they don’t smell or look off):

  • Hard cheeses, butter, margarine
  • Uncut whole fruits and whole vegetables
  • Condiments like ketchup, mustard, pickles, vinegar‑based dressings

In the freezer, food that still has ice crystals or is at 40°F or below can usually be cooked or refrozen, though quality may drop.

Simple safety check steps

  1. Keep doors closed
    • Avoid opening fridge/freezer during the outage; every opening lets cold escape and shortens how long food lasts.
  1. Use a thermometer if possible
    • Check if fridge and freezer stayed at or below 40°F; this is your best safety guide.
  1. Inspect before eating
    • If food has a bad odor, color, or texture, or has been warm for several hours, throw it out; never taste to “test.”

Quick HTML table: time limits

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Appliance (door closed)</th>
      <th>Typical safe time without power</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Refrigerator</td>
      <td>Up to about 4 hours</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Freezer (full)</td>
      <td>Up to about 48 hours</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Freezer (half-full)</td>
      <td>Up to about 24 hours</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

These are general guidelines; when in doubt, it is safer to throw questionable food away than risk serious illness.