What action should be taken if there's a power outage in a food establishment?

In the event of a power outage in a food establishment, maintaining the integrity and safety of perishable food is crucial. Keeping refrigerator doors closed and monitoring food temperatures is the best action to take because it helps to retain the cold temperature inside the refrigerator for as long as possible. Refrigerators can keep food safely cold for several hours if left unopened, which reduces the risk of spoilage and foodborne illness.

Monitoring the food temperatures is also important, as it allows food handlers to determine whether the food has remained at a safe temperature (below 41°F for perishable items) for the duration of the outage. If power is restored before the temperature exceeds safe limits, the food can likely be salvaged, avoiding unnecessary waste.

Throwing away all perishable food immediately is excessive and not necessary unless it has clearly been above safe temperatures for too long. Opening refrigerator doors to cool food would actually allow cold air to escape, resulting in the opposite effect of what is desired. Transferring food to a warmer location would further increase the temperature of the food and pose a risk of spoilage. Therefore, keeping refrigerator doors closed and monitoring temperatures is the most effective and safe approach during a power outage.