AMES, Iowa -- After days without power, your refrigerator is probably full of food that needs to be thrown out.
"The USDA says milk, creme, sour creme, buttermilk, evaporated milk should be discarded. Butter and margarine are likely still safe. Baby formula that's been opened should be thrown out" says Iowa State University Food Science and Human Nutrition Assistant Professor Shannon Coleman.
She says highly perishable foods like meat and eggs are also not safe to eat.
"The Centers for Disease Control recommends people do not taste anything in the refrigerator, and that they throw away perishable foods, especially after four hours without power" Coleman says.
While food in the fridge is probably not safe, she says there might be hope for food still in the freezer.
"If your freezer is completely full, you have up to 48 hours. If it was half-full, you have 24 hours--if you haven't opened it. You have to check food for ice crystals that show it's still at least partially frozen" Coleman says.
She says it's important to check the temperature of food kept in coolers or refrigerators with a cold source. Food kept above 40 degrees Fahrenheit should be thrown out.
Coleman says if there's any doubt about the safety of food, throw it out.
Image from U.S. Centers for Disease Control