+
ScottinPollock | Oct 31, 201907:50 AM     10

Hi there...

For the last 5 days PG&E has shut off power to nearly 1 million homes and businesses in Northern/Central California to "keep us safe". This means my fridge has been:

on for 4 hours,
off for one hour,
on for 5 hours,
off for 14 hours,

each of the 5 days.

I normally keep the freezer at 0°F, and the fridge at 38°F, but in the morning the fridge was more like mid to high 40's, and the freezer middle 30's (fruit definitely got a little soft, but ice was not melted but did have that moist outer layer). So my question is what should I throw out?

Freezer Contents: berries, pineapple, bananas, breads, hash browns, butter (salted and unsalted).

Fridge Contents: eggs, milk, sour cream, cream cheese, butter, luncheon meat, mayo, salad dressings, mustards, jarred marinara & salsa, and some bottled sauces (chipoltle, worcestershire, soy, etc).

I am usually pretty conservative with expiration dates so my thought was to chuck it all, but I'm pretty sure the butter is alright, and there is a lot of frozen fruit. Not sure about the cream cheese (it is still factory sealed), luncheon meat, mayo, eggs, milk, etc.

What say you all?

Want to stay up to date with this post? Sign Up Now ›

More from Chowhound

The Ultimate Spring Produce Guide: What's in Season & How to Use It
Guides

The Ultimate Spring Produce Guide: What's in Season & How to Use It

by Jen Wheeler | Need a spring vegetable guide to what's in season? Consider this your spring produce cheat sheet—complete...

Quick and Easy Instant Pot Breakfast Recipes for Less Morning Stress
Recipe Round-Ups

Quick and Easy Instant Pot Breakfast Recipes for Less Morning Stress

by Rachel Johnson | Whether the kids are still distance learning or returning to a classroom, with school back in session...

How to Care for Enameled Cast Iron So It Lasts a Lifetime
Guides

How to Care for Enameled Cast Iron So It Lasts a Lifetime

by Kelly Magyarics | You’ve sprung for a gorgeous piece of enameled cast iron cookware; protect your investment by cleaning...

The Best Tool to Clean a Wood Cutting Board Is Probably in Your Compost Bin
Home

The Best Tool to Clean a Wood Cutting Board Is Probably in Your Compost Bin

by Debbie Wolfe | Home chefs love wood cutting boards because they are durable and reliable. Wood boards are attractive...

Get fresh food news delivered to your inbox

Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest tips, tricks, recipes and more, sent twice a week.