Food Safety During a Power Cut

Last weekend’s heavy rains in Costa Teguise and Arrecife caused flooding and power cuts, leaving many households struggling to keep their food safe. We asked Private Chef Nerina to share some essential information to managing your food supply in the event of a power outage – so you can stay safe, save money and reduce waste.

Many homes, hotels and businesses in Costa Teguise were left without electricity, and guests were evacuated from some hotels that had suffered severe flooding. Many bars and restaurants closed for the evening.

This raises the question – what do you do with refrigerated and frozen foods during an outage? That’s an answer that Nerina from Event And Catering Solutions Lanzarote can provide:

How to Store Food Safely During a Power Cut

Keep Fridge & Freezer Doors Closed

A closed fridge can keep food cold for about 4 hours.
A full freezer will maintain its temperature for 48 hours (24 hours if half-full).
Only open the doors when absolutely necessary.

Note: A chest freezer keeps food frozen longer in a power cut because its top-opening lid traps cold air, it has thicker insulation, and less air escapes when opened compared to an upright freezer.

Use Ice & Cooler Boxes

Transfer perishables (meat, dairy, seafood) to a cooler with ice blocks if the outage lasts longer than 4 hours.
A food thermometer can help monitor temperatures—discard any food above 5°C (41°F) for more than 2 hours.

Prioritise Perishables

Eat fresh items first (dairy, cooked meats, leftovers).
Shelf-stable foods (canned goods, bread, fruit) can last longer without refrigeration.

Critical Limit Temperature for Defrosting Foods

Never defrost food at room temperature during a power cut! Bacteria multiply rapidly between 8°C and 63°C (41°F–145°F); however, 5°C is Nerina’s temperature marker.
If thawing is necessary, place frozen food in a cooler with ice and allow it to defrost slowly at a safe temperature (below 5°C).
Once thawed, cook immediately—do not refreeze unless cooked first.

Storing Leftovers Before a Storm

If you know a storm or power cut is coming:

Cook & Freeze Meals in Advance – Pre-made dishes can be reheated without power (using a gas stove or BBQ).
Use Vacuum Sealing – Extends freshness by reducing air exposure.
Portion & Label – Store leftovers in small containers for quicker cooling and easier use.

DOS AND DON’TS

DON’T – Refreeze Prawns: When seafood is thawed, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria. If the seafood is not cooked or eaten immediately after thawing, throw it away.

DON’T – Refreeze Melted Ice Cream: When ice cream melts it reaches a temperature where bacteria can grow, freezing it doesn’t kill these bacteria.

DON’T – Re-cook/Cook Off Spoiled Food: You can’t re-cook or cook off spoiled food. Heat won’t destroy all toxins.

DO – Trust Your Brain: The saying still rings true. When in doubt, throw it out. If something doesn’t look or smell right that means that it probably isn’t safe to consume.

Our thoughts at Event And Catering Solutions Lanzarote are with everyone who has been affected by last Saturday’s floods.

Planning a Large Event? Leave the Food Safety to the Experts

Hosting a wedding, corporate gathering, or a private dinner for many guests? Managing large quantities of food while ensuring freshness, safety, and minimal waste requires expertise—and that’s where Private Chef Nerina steps in.

With over 20 years of culinary experience and certified food safety training, Nerina ensures:
✔ No excess waste, just perfectly portioned, high-quality meals.
✔ Strict hygiene & temperature control – Keeping every dish safe from prep to plate.
✔ Custom menus tailored to your event – Whether it’s an intimate dinner or a grand celebration, every detail is handled professionally.

2025 bookings are filling fast—secure your date now before availability runs out!

Contact Nerina today to discuss your private dining or event catering needs.

Email: nerinahowell@gmail.com

Tel: +34 711 065 993

Web: https://www.eventandcateringsolutionslanzarote.com/

Exceptional food, flawless execution—because your event deserves nothing less.