Imminent Health Hazards

ASK: What is an "imminent health hazard"?

ANSWER: An imminent health hazard is a significant threat or danger to health that is considered to exist when a product, practice, circumstance, or event creates a situation that requires immediate correction or cessation of operation to prevent injury based on:

(1) The number of potential injuries, and

(2) The nature, severity, and duration of the anticipated injury.

WHEN IT'S TIME TO CLOSE...

ASK: What are some examples of imminent health hazards?

ANSWER: Examples of imminent health hazards include:

• Extended power outage

• Sewage backup

• No refrigeration units below 41°F

• Extended interruption of water service

• Fire in building

• Discharge of fire suppression system

• Gas leak

• Flooding of building

• Misuse or spill of poisonous or toxic substances

• Outbreak of foodborne illness

• Grossly unsanitary conditions

• Other circumstances endangering public health

If there is an imminent health hazard:

1) Immediately stop preparing, serving, & selling food, and

2) Call the Health Department at 304-462-7351 or after hours call 304-462-7306.

ASK: What can you do during a power outage to keep refrigerated foods cold?

ANSWER:

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. The refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours.

• If the power is off longer, transfer food to a cooler and fill with ice or frozen gel packs. Make sure there is enough ice to keep food in the cooler at 41°F or below. Add more ice to the cooler as it begins to melt.

• A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full).

• Frozen foods that have thawed, but still contain ice crystals are safe to eat.

• Obtain dry ice or block ice if your power is going to be out for a prolonged period. Fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18-cubic-foot freezer for 2 days. (Caution: Do not touch dry ice with bare hands or place it in direct contact with food.)

• During cold weather, do not place perishable food outside. Instead fill buckets, empty milk jugs, or cans with water and leave them outside to freeze. Use the homemade ice in your refrigerator, freezer, or coolers.

ASK: If your refrigerator has been without power and the food in it has been above 41°F for more than four hours, which of these foods can be saved and which should be thrown out?

ANSWER: WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT !

Raw ground beef: Throw Out

Cooked chicken: Throw Out

Pickles: Save

Soup: Throw Out

Dried Coconut: Save

Milk: Throw Out

Aged cheddar cheese: Save

Cooked green beans: Throw Out

Deli meats: Throw Out

Ketchup: Save

Eggs: Throw Out

Tuna salad: Throw Out

Head of lettuce: Save

Sliced tomatoes: Throw Out

Bean sprouts: Throw Out

Sliced cantaloupe: Throw Out

Lemon wedges: Save

Custard cream pie: Throw Out

Apple pie: Save

Brie cheese: Throw Out

ASK: What should be done with foods exposed to a fire?

ANSWER: Food can be damaged by the heat of a fire, smoke fumes, and fire-fighting chemicals. Discard all food that has been near a fire including all foods in cans, bottles, and jars. While they may appear to be okay, the heat from a fire can damage the containers and can activate food spoilage bacteria. Fumes and chemicals cannot be washed off. Refrigerator

seals are not airtight and fumes can get inside. Discard foods from refrigerators and freezers. Wash, rinse, and sanitize all cookware exposed.