Store food properly this hurricane season

PRESS RELEASE: Virgin Islands’ residents are advised to store their food properly during this hurricane season.

Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mr Lionel Michael recommends that persons limit the purchase of frozen goods as those are the first to be temperature abused during power outages.

He said, “Have items on hand that do not require refrigeration and can be eaten in its present state.”

Mr Michael said residents should plan an emergency food supply that should include food with a long shelf life such as pasta, macaroni, boxed or canned milk, water and canned goods.

He added that coolers can keep food cold if power will be out for more than four hours.

“It is necessary to have coolers on hand along with frozen gel packs in addition to digital, dial or instant-read food thermometers and appliance thermometers will help you know if your food is at safe temperatures,” Mr Michael said.

He added, “Keep appliance thermometers in the refrigerator and freezer at all times. When the power is out, an appliance thermometer will always indicate the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer no matter how long the power has been out. The refrigerator temperature should be 40 °F or below and the freezer, 0 °F or lower.”

For more information, persons can telephone 468- 5110.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitate the recovery of human development and quality of life in the Virgin Islands.