Don’t Put Food Outside If Your Freezer Loses Power, Says USDA

As chilly temperatures sweep the nation it could be tempting to put your food out in snowy conditions in order to keep them good while your power is out but the USDA is saying it’s not a good idea.

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has a long list of reasons why you shouldn’t put your food outside: The sun’s rays could thaw out the food even though it’s below freezing outside. Temperatures could vary during the day and night causing the food not to be safe. Food being stored outside could be exposed to unsanitary conditions and animals that could have bacteria or disease.

For a full list of helpful tips on what to do with your food if you lose power or if you need to know what to throw away and keep go to fsis.usda.gov.