Fridge and freezer power cut timer
Short answer: the Food Standards Agency says a fridge stays cold for up to 4 hours, a full freezer stays frozen for up to 48 hours and a half-full one for up to 24 hours, if you keep the doors shut.
From the FSA's power cut advice (published 26 July 2023), read 1 November 2026.
What to do while the power is off
- Keep the fridge and freezer doors shut as much as you can.
- Eat fridge food first, then defrosted food that doesn't need cooking, then other fresh food, then tins and dried food.
- If it's cold outside (below 8°C), the FSA says you can keep food in a clean, dry, sealed box out of the sun and away from animals.
- Food you won't eat in time can be shared with neighbours if it was stored correctly.
- Cook food until it's steaming hot and cooked through.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does food stay safe in the fridge in a power cut?
The Food Standards Agency says your fridge should stay cold for up to 4 hours. If it reaches 8°C or above, eat food that normally needs the fridge within 4 hours, and throw away use-by foods, 'keep refrigerated' foods and leftovers after 4 hours unless the power comes back in time.
How long will a freezer stay frozen without power?
The FSA says a full freezer should stay frozen for up to 48 hours and a half-full one for up to 24 hours, if you keep the door shut. These are estimates and vary by model.
Is food OK after a short power cut?
The FSA says a power cut of less than 4 hours is unlikely to affect chilled or frozen food.
What should I eat first in a power cut?
The FSA's order is: food that needs the fridge, then defrosted food that doesn't need cooking, then other perishable food kept at room temperature, then tinned, bottled and dried food.
Can I claim for food lost in a power cut?
Not under the guaranteed standards: power cut payments are fixed sums, not a refund. Check your home insurance. Our power cut compensation calculator shows the fixed payment you may be due.
Sources
- Food Standards Agency: Food safety in a power cut, advice for consumers (GOV.UK, published 26 July 2023), read 1 November 2026
General information, not food safety advice for your situation. If you're not sure food is safe, don't eat it.
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