Load shedding in South Africa is currently at stage five which means there are several hours in a day that South Africans have to remain without power. This could affect the food in your fridge and freezer, here are five tips to make food last longer.
1. KEEP THE FRIDGE CLOSED WHEN LOAD SHEDDING
Food scientist Kyle Corbett advised that food be kept cold and consistent to ensure it stays fresh. In order for the food to be kept cold, you would need to make sure the fridge doors stay closed while you do not have power.
“At home, my advice is to keep the food cold and consistent. You can do this by ensuring your fridge works normally, but obviously load shedding does throw a curveball,” said Corbett according to Cape Talk.
“Keep your fridge doors closed during power cuts and rather freeze meat in a chest freezer. Only take it out on a needs basis and defrost it in the fridge,” he continued.
Corbett also advised that chicken breasts or milk which has reached room temperature be thrown away. While cheese can last a little longer.
“Products such as chicken breasts or milk that have reached room temperature must be discarded. Cheeses have a bit more play because of their chemical parameters which allow bacteria growth,” he added.
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2. IF FREEZER DOOR IS CLOSED, FOOD WILL STAY FROZEN UP TO 48 HOURS
Frozen food can stay up to 48 hours if the freezer door remains closed. However, if foods begin to defrost it would be a good idea to cook them quickly.
3. KEEP FRIDGE TEMPERATURE IS 4°C AHEAD OF LOAD SHEDDING
Eskom releases load shedding schedules so you would know what slot you’re on for the day and upcoming days. This gives you an opportunity to prepare for load shedding. A good tip would be to ensure the fridge temperature is 4°C ahead of load shedding.
4. PURCHASE SMALLER QUANTITIES OF FRESH FOOD DURING LOAD SHEDDING
Since the power for your fridge will be switched off often, it would be a good idea to purchase smaller quantities of fresh food. This will ensure the food you consume is safe.
5. ICE PACKS COULD HELP KEEP FOOD COLD
You may also purchase ice packs to put with your food in the fridge or freezer to ensure that it remains cold … and fresh!
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