Posts tagged Four Mile Canyon Fire

Never taste food to determine its safety. Food unfit for human consumption is also unfit for pets. If in doubt, throw it out.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 10, 2010

Food exposed to fire can be dangerous

Boulder County – Food exposed to fire can be compromised by four factors: heat of the fire, smoke fumes, chemicals used to fight the fire, and power outage as a result of the fire.
Heat
Food in cans or jars may appear to be fine, but if they have been close to the heat of a fire, they may not be edible. Heat from a fire can activate food spoilage bacteria. If the heat is severe, the cans or jars can split or rupture, resulting in unsafe food.

Smoke Fumes
Toxic fumes, which may be released from burning materials, are one of the most dangerous elements of a fire. The fumes can be hazardous, and they can also contaminate food.
· Discard any food stored in permeable packaging, such as cardboard or plastic wrap. Toxic fumes can permeate the packaging and contaminate the food.
· Discard any raw foods stored outside the refrigerator, such as potatoes or fruit, as they could also be contaminated by fumes. Even food stored in the refrigerator or freezer can become contaminated by fumes, as the seals are not necessarily airtight.

If food from your refrigerator or freezer has an off-flavor or odor when it is prepared, it should be discarded and not eaten.

Chemicals Used to Fight Fires
Chemicals used to fight fires contain toxic materials that can contaminate food and cookware. While some of the chemicals may be listed as non-toxic to humans, they can be harmful if swallowed. These chemicals cannot be washed off of the food.
· Discard foods that have been exposed to chemicals, including:
o Food stored at room temperature, such as fruit and vegetables
o Food stored in permeable containers, like cardboard and screw-topped jars and bottles

Canned goods and cookware exposed to chemicals can be decontaminated if they have not been subjected to severe heat (see “heat” above).
· Wash canned goods and cookware that have been exposed to chemicals with soap and hot water. Then dip them in a bleach solution (1 teaspoon of bleach per quart of water) for 15 minutes, rinse, and let air dry.

Power Outage
The main concern with perishables stored in the refrigerator and freezer is the availability of electrical power. Refrigerated items should be safe, provided that the power is off for no more than about two hours. If the power has been off for more two hours:
· Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
· Open the refrigerator as little as possible.
· Discard any perishable food that has been held at temperatures above 41°F for more than 2 hours.
· Discard any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.
· Discard food in your refrigerator and freezer that looks suspicious, such as the presence of liquid or refrozen meat juices, soft or melted and refrozen ice cream, or unusual odors.

Never taste food to determine its safety. Food unfit for human consumption is also unfit for pets. If in doubt, throw it out.

Disposal
In response to the Fourmile Canyon fire, Western Disposal Transfer Station, located at 5880 Butte Mill Road in Boulder, is accepting spoiled food from households affected by the fire. They are open 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Please note that this is only for spoiled food waste.

Food Safety Resources
USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline
1-800-535-4555 (recorded messages and assistance is available in both English and Spanish)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Information about hazards, safe cleanup, and preventing illness and injury:
1-800-CDC-INFO or 1-800-232-4636; TTY 1-888-232-6348
Available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
www.cdc.gov

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Information about safe food handling for foods other than meat, poultry, or egg products
1-888-SAFEFOOD or 1-888-723-3366
www.cfsan.fda.gov

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791
www.epa.gov

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Food and water in an emergency
www.fema.gov

Related posts: