The short answer
Check the Water Source
The first question to ask is what kind of water touched your food. Clean water from a burst pipe is different from floodwater that may contain sewage, chemicals, or bacteria. Food that came into contact with floodwater or sewage is unsafe and must be thrown away, even if the packaging looks sealed.
If the water came from a clean source, such as a broken supply line, the risk is lower but still real. Moisture can seep into cardboard, paper, and plastic seams, allowing bacteria to grow. Your own senses are not reliable here, so follow the rule: when in doubt, discard it.
- Throw out any food that touched floodwater or sewage
- Discard cardboard boxes, paper bags, and cloth packaging
- Toss food with screw caps, pull tabs, or crimped lids that touched water
- Keep commercially sealed cans if they are undamaged and fully intact
- Wash sealed cans with soap and water, then sanitize with a bleach solution
Foods You Should Always Toss
Perishable items like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, and leftovers must go if they were at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria multiply quickly in that window, and cooking does not always destroy the toxins they leave behind. The same applies to cut fruits and vegetables, cooked pasta, and anything with a creamy filling.
Also discard any food in packaging that is swollen, rusted, or dented along the seams. These signs suggest that moisture or air has gotten inside. For baby formula, even sealed cans are not worth the risk, so throw them out if they came in contact with floodwater.
What About Canned Goods
Commercially canned foods are the exception to the rule, but only if the can is completely intact. Remove the label, wash the can with soapy water, and then dip it in a bleach solution of one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. Dry it before opening, and the food inside should be safe.
Home-canned goods are different. Any jar or can that was in floodwater should be thrown away, because the seal cannot be trusted. Also discard any can that is bulging, leaking, or rusted, even if it looks dry on the outside.
Refrigerator and Freezer Safety
If the power went out, check the temperature. A refrigerator keeps food safe for about four hours if the door stays closed. A full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours, while a half-full freezer lasts about 24 hours. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of any item.
Throw away any food that has been above 40F for more than two hours. This includes items that look fine, because bacteria can grow without changing the smell or appearance. When the power is back on, clean the interior with warm water and baking soda, then a sanitizing solution.
- Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible
- Use a thermometer to verify the temperature before eating anything
- Discard any food that reached above 40F for over two hours
- Toss leftovers and soft cheeses if the power was out for a while
- When in doubt, throw it out, especially for high-risk items
Cleaning Your Kitchen After Water
Once you have sorted through the food, focus on the surfaces. Remove all loose items, then wash countertops, cabinets, and shelves with soap and water. Follow with a sanitizing solution, such as one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water, and let it air dry.
If water damaged your kitchen walls, flooring, or cabinets, the pros can handle the cleanup and repairs. Local water damage pros often deal with kitchen situations after floods or leaks. You might also need to check your pantry and storage areas for hidden moisture, which can lead to mold growth.
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Call Now (480) 898-4279Frequently asked questions
Can I wash food that was in floodwater?
No. Floodwater can carry sewage, chemicals, and bacteria that washing cannot remove. Throw away any food that came into direct contact with floodwater, including sealed packages and cans, unless the can is intact and you sanitize it properly.
Is food in a sealed plastic container safe?
Not necessarily. Plastic containers with screw-on lids or pull tabs can let water in through the seams. If the container was submerged in floodwater, discard the food. For clean water, inspect the seal for any damage and clean the outside thoroughly before opening.
How long can food stay in a fridge without power?
A refrigerator keeps food safe for about four hours if you keep the door closed. A full freezer lasts about 48 hours, and a half-full one about 24 hours. After that, check temperatures and throw away anything above 40F for more than two hours.