Food

Here are some guidelines on food safety after an emergency.  Use your food supplies in this order:

1. use the food in your fridge first
2. use the contents in your freezer second
3. use any tinned or dried food last.

Do

• protect food from heat, dirt, insects, pests and pets
• discard food which is smelly, slimy, mouldy or discoloured
• use treated water to wash vegetables and fruit (add 5 drops of household bleach to 1 litre of water and stand for 30 minutes)
• use defrosted food and fresh milk within 2 days
• use disposable paper towels where possible
• cover pots to conserve fuel and cook food thoroughly
• always wash your hands with treated water before and after handling food
• wash dishes immediately after eating and keep clean ones covered.

Don't

• open your freezer door unnecessarily
• eat food contaminated with glass, dirt, chemicals or sewage
• eat garden produce if it has been flooded
• eat shellfish from the harbour after an earthquake or flood
• use any tins with split or swollen seams.