Storing food without a fridge
Machine translation from Dutch, not yet checked by a clinician.
During a power cut, food in the fridge spoils after 4 hours. Knowing how to store it safely is essential.
What to do
• Keep the fridge and freezer closed — food then keeps for 4 hours (fridge) to 48 hours (full freezer)
• Move perishable food to the coolest place in the house
• Prioritise cooked meat, fish, dairy and eggs — these spoil fastest
• Longer-keeping alternatives: tinned food, dry pasta, rice, nuts, crackers
• Throw away food that has been above 7°C for more than 2 hours
Do not do
• Do not eat meat, fish or dairy that has been unrefrigerated for more than 4 hours
• Do not rely on smell alone — bacteria often have no smell or taste
• Do not keep cooked meat at room temperature for longer than 2 hours
Warning signs
• Food has an unusual smell, colour or texture — throw it away
• Tins with bulging lids or rust — do not use
Get help if
• Several people complain of nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea after eating
• No safe food alternatives are available
Why this matters
Food poisoning worsens dehydration and can become life-threatening in an emergency, particularly for older people, children and pregnant women.
Source: RIVM Voedselveiligheid Richtlijnen · reviewed 2025-01-01