What precautions should be taken in a food establishment during a power outage?

Monitoring food temperatures and evaluating food safety when power is restored is crucial in a food establishment during a power outage. When the power goes out, the temperature inside refrigerators and freezers can rise, putting stored food at risk for bacterial growth. By keeping track of food temperatures throughout the outage, staff can determine which items are still safe to use or need to be discarded once power is restored. This step is essential for preventing foodborne illness and ensuring overall food safety.

The other precautions, although they may seem practical at first glance, do not adequately address food safety concerns. For example, keeping doors open to regulate temperature might actually allow warm air to enter, increasing the risk of temperature abuse of perishable items. Discarding all perishable foods without assessing their safety can lead to unnecessary waste, as some items may still be safe if kept at proper temperatures. Using candles for illumination introduces a fire hazard, which could lead to dangerous situations in the kitchen area. Therefore, monitoring temperatures and evaluating food safety is the most appropriate and effective action to take during a power outage.