Ensuring food safety during flooding

While flooding is still affecting major parts of Queensland, residents in some areas are now starting the daunting task of cleaning up with flood waters subsiding.

Following the initial damage to property and infrastructure, flood water that has receded can still cause death, sickness and injury.

Queensland Health Environmental Health Officer Paul Florian said when floods hit, power failures are likely to occur. If power has failed for more than a day, the food in your fridge may be unsafe to eat.

"Do not open your fridge or freezer door unnecessarily. Refrigerated food will spoil sooner than frozen food, so eat any perishable foods in your fridge first – such as dairy products and meat," he said.

"If your power is off for more than 24 hours, and you have not kept your freezer stocked with ice, food will start to spoil and should be eaten immediately. What can't be eaten should be thrown out.

"Throw out any food that has been in contact with flood water or has started to spoil, especially if it smells bad, tastes strange or is slimy. "You can refreeze partially defrosted food, but you should be aware that the shelf-life and quality will be reduced.

"Freeze extra water or buy ice to keep food cool in your fridge, freezer or esky, in case power fails again."

(Source: Queensland Govenment Department of Health)