How long is the food in my refrigerator good for after the power goes out?

Generally, you want to discard any meat that is above 40ºF for more than 2 hours, because at that time and temperature combination, pathogens can start to grow on the meat. Most refrigerators stay cold enough that if the power comes back on in less than 4 hours, the food inside the refrigerator is safe to eat. Keep the door to the refrigerator closed while the power is out to help keep the refrigerator as cold as possible. As always, if the food smells off, throw it away, and be sure to cook your meat to proper temperature to ensure safety.