We talked with our MD and she said we should throw everything from the fridge out and disinfect the fridge.

The health risk is too great after 10 hours.

What will be the total cost of the decision by the pilot to fly in fog and turn left rather than right as is required ?

Sharon,

The cost was their deaths. Is that good enough for you? Why don't you shake the families down for your food costs?

Sharon,

You are so sad. Post your address and I will buy your food you weak little person.

It is absolutely ridiculous to throw out good food. My refrigerator thermometer says the safe zone for food is between 40 and 50 degrees.
Do you actually throw out leftovers that have been sitting at room temperature for a few hours?
You are confusing the food in the refrigerator with stories about picnics, where egg salad sits in the sun for a long time.
I don't believe any doctor said throw it out. Don't believe it.

There's a great chart available on the American Red Cross website that specifically advises which foods are safe to keep (fruits, vegetables) and which should be discarded (dairy, meat). Their guideline is whether the food has been above 40 degrees for more than two hours, which was the case yesterday for the food in my refrigerator.

Thanks, PA Mom for suggesting the American Red Cross Chart. However, I have to disagree. They claim to put foods on ice instead of leaving in the fridge with door closed. I think the fridge with the door closed would keep foods cooler than an ice cooler.

Here's the website Web Link and here's what it says:

Food Safety

Sudden power outages can be frustrating and troublesome, especially when they are prolonged. Perishable foods should not be held above 40 degrees for more than 2 hours. If a power outage is 2 hours or less, you need not be concerned, but how do you save your food when the refrigerator is out for longer times?

What to do...

Do not open the refrigerator or freezer. Tell your little ones not to open the door. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold enough for a couple of hours at least. A freezer that is half full will hold for up to 24 hours and a full freezer for 48 hours.
If it looks like the power outage will be for more than 2-4 hours, pack refrigerated milk, dairy products, meats, fish, poultry, eggs, gravy, stuffing and left-overs into your cooler surrounded by ice.
If it looks like the power outage will be prolonged, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items.