KEEPING FOOD SAFE

SEVERE STORMS storms often result in extended power losses and flooding. If you lost power for an extended period of time or your home flooded, then you need to take the following precautions:

Safe Food
Do not open freezers or refrigerators until you plan to use or discard the contents. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods safely cold for about 4 hours without power. Most freezers will keep food safe for 36 to 48 hours if left closed.
Once you open the refrigerator, discard any foods that have been above 40 degrees for more than two hours. Also discard any food that has an unusual odour, colour or texture.
Thawed food can usually be used immediately if it is still at 40 degrees or colder. Do not refreeze completely thawed foods. Foods containing ice crystals may be refrozen.
Cans of food that have been exposed to flood water should be thrown away. Cans of food that have been exposed to rainwater may be washed and sanitized, using a teaspoon of household bleach to one gallon of water.
If fresh fruits and vegetables or food in plastic, cardboard or paper containers have been under floodwaters, do not eat them; throw them away.
If you must discard food, try to bury it at least 48 inches deep. If burial is not possible, place the food in a sealed plastic bag or container for disposal.

Safe Drinking Water
If you rely on a public water supply and it was flooded or you lost electricity, then you should boil your water for at least five minutes before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice or brushing teeth.
Infants under six months and pregnant women should not drink boiled water, because boiling water may concentrate nitrates that could harm them. They should drink bottled water. However, if bottled water is not available or is too expensive, the can make water safe by adding the appropriate portions of household bleach to specific volumes of water. It is better for them to drink boiled water than to drink untreated water.
Persons should continue to use bottled water or to boil up water until it is deemed safe. Customers of public water systems should contact their utility or operator for information on the water quality.

The CAC is concerned about the wholesomeness of perishable foods whose quality and safety may have been compromised by floodwaters or the loss of electricity. Cognisant of this fact, the CAC has issued an Amber Alert is intended to bring greater focus to the issue of FOOD SAFETY and the appropriate guidelines that householders should follow when purchasing items including but not limited to the ones listed herein:

• Ice Cream

• Chicken, fish and frozen vegetables

• Luncheon Meats (Frankfurters, Ham, Salami etc.)

• Beef, Mutton and Pork

• Fruit drinks

• Frozen Snacks (especially those including dairy)

• Yogurt

• Fast foods (patties, burgers, pizzas, etc.)

The CAC will be monitoring and investigating consumer complaints of price gouging and other abnormal market activity. We continue to encourage consumers to shop in bona fide establishments, to: -

• Ask for, obtain and retain their receipts

• Continue to refer your queries, concerns and complaints to our offices or to the following hotlines set up: 929 – 0033-5; 929 – 0050 - 1

• Maintain their own vigilance as they shop

• Check for expiration dates

• Ensure that prices as advertised are identical to the prices at the check out counters

The Consumer Affairs Commission is dedicated to protecting consumers and providing them with relevant information to assist them in protecting their rights and exercising their responsibilities as vigilant consumers.

Tell us what issues you want addressed

Send e-mail to: cacjam@infochan.com or star@gleaner.com

Write to us at: 1B Holborn Road, Kingston 10 Or call us at: 926-1650-2 or toll free 1-888-991-4470, ask for our Information Desk