Ontario Food Handler Certification Practice Exam

What should be done if there is a power outage affecting refrigeration?

1. Keep the refrigerator closed and monitor the temperature

2. Open the refrigerator frequently to check on food

3. Transfer food to the freezer immediately

4. Throw away all food in the refrigerator

The correct answer is: Keep the refrigerator closed and monitor the temperature

Keeping the refrigerator closed and monitoring the temperature is the best practice during a power outage affecting refrigeration. When the refrigerator door is kept closed, the internal temperature can be maintained for a longer period, usually around 4 hours, depending on how full the refrigerator is. This helps to slow down the growth of bacteria and keeps food safe for consumption for as long as possible. Monitoring the temperature is crucial because food safety standards dictate that food should remain at or below 4°C (40°F) to prevent spoilage and foodborne illness. If the temperature rises above this threshold for an extended period, you may need to assess the safety of the food based on how long it has been out of the safe temperature range. Opening the refrigerator frequently would allow cold air to escape, which would accelerate the rise in temperature and increase the risk of food spoilage. Transferring food to the freezer could be appropriate under certain conditions, but only if the freezer is operating and can maintain safe temperatures. Disposing of all food is not a necessary action if the food has remained at safe temperatures, as potentially safe food can be preserved by following proper procedures.