Cheese Storage: Power Outage Effects And Food Safety

Power outages can be a pain, especially when it comes to food safety. When the electricity goes out, it's important to know which foods will spoil and which will stay safe to eat. So, what about cheese? Does it fall into the perishable category and need to be discarded after a certain amount of time without refrigeration? The answer depends on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, cream cheese, and Brie, are more delicate and perishable, and should not be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours. Harder cheeses, like Cheddar and Parmesan, can last a little longer, up to four hours, due to their lower moisture content. However, it's important to inspect all cheeses for signs of spoilage, such as an unpleasant smell or a slimy surface, before consuming them.

Soft cheeses are more perishable than hard cheeses

When the power goes out, it's important to know which foods will spoil and which will be safe to eat once the power is restored. This is especially true for cheese, as different types have varying levels of perishability. Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, or cottage cheese, are more perishable than hard cheeses. This is due to their higher moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth.

Soft cheeses are typically made by gently draining the curds, retaining a lot of moisture in the cheese. This extra moisture contributes to their softer texture and shorter shelf life. On the other hand, hard cheeses like Cheddar undergo a more rigorous process of cutting curds into smaller pieces, adding salt, and heating to release more moisture. This results in a firmer texture and longer shelf life.

During a power outage, it is crucial to monitor the temperature of your refrigerator. If the temperature rises above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours, soft cheeses should be discarded to prevent foodborne illnesses. Hard and processed cheeses that are properly wrapped, on the other hand, can be safely retained even at this temperature.

To extend the shelf life of soft cheeses during a power outage, it is recommended to place them in a cooler with ice or ice packs. Additionally, keeping the refrigerator door closed as much as possible helps maintain the chilled temperature for a longer period.

In summary, soft cheeses are more perishable than hard cheeses due to their higher moisture content. Proper storage and temperature control are essential to ensure the safety and quality of cheese, especially during power outages.

How to tell if soft cheese has gone bad

Soft cheeses can spoil faster than hard cheeses, and they have a shorter shelf life. If left unopened, soft cheeses can be stored in the fridge and consumed within two weeks of purchase. Once opened, soft cheeses can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

• Expiration date: Always check the "best by" or expiration date and avoid consuming cheese past this date.
• Appearance: If you notice any change in colour or the presence of abnormal mould, discard the cheese. Soft cheeses with visible mould should be thrown away entirely.
• Smell: If the cheese gives off an ammonia-like or sour odour, it has likely gone bad.
• Texture: Spoiled cheese may feel crumbly, mushy, or very dry.

Remember, consuming spoiled cheese can lead to food poisoning, so when in doubt, throw it out!

How long can hard cheese be left out of the fridge?

Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan, can be left out of the fridge for longer than soft cheeses. This is because they have a lower moisture content, which makes them less susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage. However, it's important to note that the U.S. Department of Health recommends that perishable foods should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours. While hard cheeses can be left out for longer without becoming unsafe to eat, their quality and taste may be impacted.

Hard cheeses can be left out at room temperature for up to four hours. After this time, it is recommended to check for signs of spoilage before consuming. If the cheese has been sitting out for longer than four hours, it may still be safe to consume, but the taste, flavour, quality, or texture may have changed.

To ensure the safety and quality of hard cheese, it is important to store it properly. Instead of using plastic wrap, which can trap moisture and encourage bacterial growth, hard cheeses should be wrapped in parchment paper, cheesecloth, butcher paper, or stored in cheese storage bags or beeswrap. Hard cheese should be stored in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator, where the temperature is cold and stable, and the humidity is consistent.

When in doubt about the safety of the hard cheese, it is always best to throw it out. Signs of spoilage in hard cheese include an unpleasant smell, a slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mould.

How to keep cheese fresh

Wrapping and Storing Cheese

Firstly, remove the cheese from its original plastic packaging. Leaving cheese in its original wrapper is a bad idea as it can suffocate the cheese and give it a plastic flavour. Instead, wrap the cheese in wax, parchment, or cheese paper. If you're on a budget, opt for wax paper or parchment paper. Never store cheese in a tightly wrapped package as it needs to breathe.

Once you've wrapped the cheese in paper, loosely wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Place it in a drawer, rather than on a shelf, as drawers have higher humidity so the cheese won't dry out. If you don't have space in a drawer, use a large plastic or glass container to store your wrapped cheeses.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for storing cheese is between 40 and 50° F (4 and 7 °C). If the temperature rises above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours, soft and shredded cheeses will need to be discarded. Hard and processed cheeses that are properly wrapped can be kept.

Other Tips

• Label the cheese with the type and date of purchase.
• Avoid putting cheese next to foods with a strong odour, such as melon or onions, as this will affect the cheese's flavour.
• If your cheese has developed some mould, just cut off about 1 inch (2.5 cm) around the mould and keep eating! The exception is if the mould is a dark black-grey colour or smells bad.
• If you have a power outage, try to keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible so that it maintains its chilled temperature. If the power is off for more than two hours, begin to monitor the temperature of the refrigerator. When it reaches 40°F (4°C), place block ice in a container in the refrigerator.

What to do if the power is out for more than a few hours

If the power is out for more than a few hours, there are several steps you should take to ensure your safety and that of your household.

Firstly, if you are using any medical devices that require electricity, or have medication that needs to be refrigerated, consult your medical provider about alternative power sources or how long the medication can be stored at higher temperatures. It is also important to note that if the power is out for more than a day, you should discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug's label says otherwise.

Next, you should turn off or unplug your appliances. This is to protect them from damage caused by power surges when the electricity comes back on. You can either unplug devices individually, or turn off your main circuit breaker.

Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed to retain the cold temperature for as long as possible. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours, and a full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. If the power is out for longer, use ice packs or coolers to keep food cold, and monitor the temperature with a thermometer. Food should be thrown away if it has been exposed to temperatures of 40°F (4°C) or higher for two hours or more, or if it has an unusual odor, color, or texture.

To keep yourself and your family safe and comfortable, ensure you have access to flashlights or battery-operated lights and lanterns. Avoid using candles if possible, as these can pose a fire risk. If the weather is hot, consider moving your family to a basement or a room with few windows or doors, and if it is cold, gather in a room that can retain a comfortable temperature. Dress appropriately for the weather, and ensure you are drinking plenty of water.

Finally, if you are using a generator, only use it outdoors and away from windows, and ensure you have working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home.

Frequently asked questions