Owner`s manual

Salvaging Food After a Flood
SAFETY MEASURES IN THE KITCHEN AND GARDEN
Food that has come in contact
with floodwaters is generally
unsafe to eat. Floodwaters
usually carry a high load of
bacteria and filth with them, and
may contain oil or chemical
wastes as well. With the
exception of canned foods and
some produce, most food
touched by floodwaters should
be discarded.
The safety of garden produce
depends upon the type of
flooding and type of produce.
Follow the guidelines at right,
which also cover refrigeration
and freezer concerns when the
power is out. And remember:
When in doubt, throw it out.
FLOODED ITEMS TO DISCARD
♦ Fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish and eggs.
♦ Opened containers and packages.
♦ Submerged, unopened glass jars that have cardboard lid liners, such
as mayonnaise or salad dressing.
♦ Submerged, unopened, home-canned jars with broken seals. To check
seal, remove ring and test the flat lid with fingertips. If the lid lifts
off easily, discard the food.
♦ All food in cardboard boxes, paper, foil, cellophane or cloth.
♦ Spices, seasonings and extracts, flour, sugar and other staples in
canisters.
♦ Cans that are dented, leaking, bulging or rusted.
FLOODED ITEMS TO SAVE
Some fruits, vegetables, and unopened canned goods and glass jars of food
can be salvaged. Sanitizing, and in some cases, cooking is necessary for
safe use.
♦ To sanitize cans and glass jars of food:
a) Mark contents on can or jar lid with indelible ink.
b) Remove labels. Paper can harbor dangerous bacteria.
c) Wash jars and cans in a strong detergent solution with a scrub
brush.
d) Immerse containers for 10 minutes in a solution of 2 tablespoons
chlorine bleach per gallon of room temperature water.
e) Allow containers to air dry before opening.
♦ Citrus fruits should be washed, sanitized with a light bleach solution
(see above) and peeled before eating.
♦ Potatoes, carrots, apples and other firm fruits should be sanitized,
peeled, if possible, and cooked before eating. Do not eat raw fruit or
vegetables, even if they have been sanitized.
WHAT ABOUT THE GARDEN?
Some garden produce may be salvaged. Sanitizing, peeling and cooking is
recommended. Follow these guidelines:
University of Wisconsin-Extension • Cooperative Extension Flood-Sanitation
more information