Cheese Survival Guide: Power Outage Edition

A power outage can be a stressful time, especially when it comes to food safety. It is important to know how long your food will last in the refrigerator and freezer to avoid foodborne illnesses. So, how long does cheese last in a power outage? Well, that depends on a few factors, including the type of cheese and the temperature of the refrigerator or freezer.

Soft cheeses last 2 hours at 40°F

Soft cheeses are more perishable than harder cheeses due to their higher moisture content, which provides an environment for bacteria to thrive. According to the American Dairy Association, soft and semi-soft cheeses held above 40°F for more than two hours should be discarded. This is because, after two hours, soft cheeses are at risk of spoiling, and dangerous bacteria, such as Salmonella, may start to grow.

FoodSafety.gov, a U.S. government website, also advises that soft cheeses such as blue cheese, Brie, Camembert, cottage cheese, cream cheese, Edam, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and ricotta should be thrown out if exposed to temperatures of 40°F or higher for more than two hours. This is in line with the general food safety guidance that perishable food should not be kept in the temperature danger zone to maintain quality and safety.

It is important to note that the two-hour limit for soft cheeses applies to situations where the cheese has been at room temperature for an extended period. If you are serving soft cheese, it is recommended to let it sit at room temperature for up to an hour before consumption to improve its flavour, aroma, and texture.

Additionally, soft cheeses that have been exposed to temperatures of 40°F or higher for more than two hours may be unsafe to consume due to the potential growth of pathogenic microorganisms, which can cause foodborne illnesses. These microorganisms are not always detectable by smell or taste, so it is not advisable to use these senses to determine the safety of the cheese.

Hard cheeses can be kept at 40°F for 2 hours

During a power outage, the clock is ticking to ensure food safety. According to the FDA, food in your refrigerator will remain safe for up to 4 hours. After that, perishable foods like meat, poultry, seafood, milk, and eggs are at risk of spoilage and may cause foodborne illness if consumed, even when thoroughly cooked.

Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Parmesan, provolone, and Romano, can be more resilient during a power outage compared to soft cheeses. If the temperature inside your refrigerator rises above 40°F, hard cheeses can be safely kept for up to 2 hours. This is because hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, which makes it difficult for bacteria to grow and multiply.

However, it is important to remember that the 2-hour limit is crucial. Once the temperature exceeds 40°F for more than 2 hours, the risk of foodborne illness increases significantly. Additionally, while hard cheeses may be safe to consume, they might not taste as fresh or have the same texture as they did before the power outage.

To maximise the safety of your hard cheeses during a power outage, it is recommended to keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible. This helps maintain the cool temperature for a longer duration. If you need to check the temperature, use an appliance thermometer.

Opened cheese will spoil faster

During a power outage, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours, according to the FDA. However, it's important to avoid opening and closing the refrigerator door to ensure the fridge stays as cool as possible. After a power outage, it's recommended to inspect each item carefully and use your best judgment. If in doubt, it's always safer to throw it out.

Soft and semi-soft cheeses, such as blue cheese, Brie, Camembert, cottage cheese, cream cheese, Edam, Monterey Jack, ricotta, mozzarella, Muenster, and queso fresco, are more susceptible to spoilage due to their higher moisture content and shorter shelf life. These cheeses should be discarded if exposed to temperatures above 40°F (4°C) for more than 2 hours.

Hard cheeses, like Cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Parmesan, and provolone, have a lower moisture content and can last longer, even at slightly higher temperatures. However, even hard cheeses should be discarded if exposed to temperatures above 50°F (10°C) for an extended period.

It's important to note that moulds introduced by using opened cheese will have extra time to grow during a power outage. Therefore, it's recommended to use opened cheese first and monitor for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, an off smell, or a change in texture.

To minimise the risk of foodborne illness and ensure food safety, it's crucial to maintain proper storage conditions, practise good hygiene, and handle food properly, especially during a power outage.

Unopened cheese is safe for longer

During a power outage, the safety of your food becomes a primary concern. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises that food in your refrigerator will only be safe for up to 4 hours. It is important to avoid opening the refrigerator door to ensure the appliance stays as cool as possible.

When it comes to cheese, the type of cheese and whether it has been opened or not are important factors in determining its safety during a power outage. Soft and semi-soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, are more vulnerable to temperature changes and should be discarded if exposed to temperatures above 40°F (4°C) for more than 2 hours. This is because soft cheeses have a higher moisture content, providing an ideal environment for bacterial growth.

On the other hand, unopened cheese is generally safe for a longer duration. Hard and semi-hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss cheese can withstand higher temperatures and last longer without refrigeration. As long as the cheese remains unopened and is not exposed to extremely high temperatures, it should be safe to consume even after a power outage.

However, it is important to use your best judgment and inspect each item carefully. If the cheese has an unusual odour or visible signs of mould, it is best to discard it. Additionally, once power is restored, it is recommended to check the refrigerator's temperature using a thermometer. If the temperature is at or below 40°F, the food is most likely safe to consume.

To summarise, while soft cheeses are more perishable during a power outage, unopened hard and semi-hard cheeses can be safely consumed even after prolonged periods without refrigeration.

Cheese in a full freezer will last 48 hours

Cheese is a beloved dairy product, but it can be tricky to keep it fresh, especially during a power outage. Here's some good news: if you have a full freezer, your cheese will last for about 48 hours!

During a power outage, a full freezer will maintain a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours, provided the door remains closed. This is crucial to keep your cheese and other perishables safe to consume. It's recommended to use an appliance thermometer to check the temperature when the power returns. If the temperature reads 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, and your cheese still has ice crystals on it, it's safe to refreeze. However, it's important to note that the quality of your cheese might suffer, and it may not taste or feel the same.

Freezing cheese can be a convenient way to extend its shelf life and reduce waste. Hard and semi-hard cheeses, such as Cheddar and Swiss, tend to freeze well due to their lower moisture content. On the other hand, soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert may undergo texture changes and are best used in cooked dishes after freezing.

If you plan to freeze your cheese, it's essential to prepare it properly for storage. Portion the cheese into quantities you're likely to use at once, as freezing affects the texture, making it more challenging to slice or grate. Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, ensuring no air is trapped between the cheese and the wrapping. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag to protect it from air and moisture.

While freezing can extend the life of your cheese, it's important to monitor its quality. Discoloration, unusual odours, sliminess, or dryness are signs that your cheese has spoiled. Additionally, once cheese has been frozen and thawed, it should not be refrozen to avoid further degradation in quality and safety.

In summary, a full freezer will keep your cheese safe for about 48 hours during a power outage. Proper storage techniques, such as wrapping and using airtight containers, can help extend the life of your cheese. However, always check for signs of spoilage, and remember that freezing may alter the texture and taste.

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