Food Safety in Emergencies
Did you know that a flood, fire, national disaster, or the loss of power from high winds, snow, or ice could jeopardize the safety of your food? Knowing how to determine if food is safe and how to keep food safe will help minimize the potential loss of food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
On this page:
Food safety in any emergency
Fires
Flooding
Power outages
For businesses
Food supply safety and security
Food safety in any emergency
- What Consumers Need to Know About Food and Water Safety During Hurricanes, Power Outages, and Floods
Information for consumers from the US FDA on food and water safety during emergencies. Tips for being prepared, what to do when the power goes out, what to do once power is restored, and food and water safety when flooding occurs. Attention: Non-MDH link
- Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency
Did you know that a flood, fire, national disaster, or the loss of power from high winds, snow, or ice could jeopardize the safety of your food? Knowing how to determine if food is safe and how to keep food safe will help minimize the potential loss of food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. USDA. Attention: Non-MDH link
- Drinking Water Safety in Emergencies
Following natural disasters and other types of emergencies, drinking water in affected areas may become contaminated and cause outbreaks of disease. Problems with sanitation, including lack of water, toilet facilities, or damaged water wells can also increase the likelihood of waterborne disease.
Fires
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Consumer Tips For Food Safety After Fires
Fires are serious threats to life and property due to the smoke, extreme heat, and chemicals they produce. In addition, a fire may directly or indirectly affect foods in ways that could endanger your health.
Flooding
- Food Safety During a Disaster
Knowing how to determine if food is safe and how to keep food safe will help minimize the potential loss of food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Power outages
- Power Outages -
Key Tips for Consumers About Food Safety
Tips from the US FDA on what to do to prepare for, and handle, a power outage and your food. Attention: Non-MDH link
For businesses
- Keeping Your Food and Water Safe during Floods, Hurricanes, and Power Outages
Information for the business industry and consumers from the US FDA. Includes information for restaurants and grocers reopening after flooding, how to dispose of contaminated food and information on the safety of food affected by hurricanes, flooding, and power outages. Attention: Non-MDH link
Food supply safety and security
- Food Supply Safety and Security in Minnesota
MDH works with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), and the Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) to insure the safety of our food even during emergencies.
Spotlight
Chicks and Ducklings: Salmonella
Those cute little chicks and ducklings can be a great attraction for children this time of year, but they can also be a source of illness.
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