The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing food safety recommendations for those who may be impacted by winter storms in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Western regions of the U.S.
The National Weather Service reports that widespread snow, rain and strong winds developed overnight as a winter storm developed rapidly over the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. Numerous warnings have been issued for these areas, including winter weather advisories, winter storm warnings and high wind warnings. The National Weather Service also reports heavy snow and rain across much of the Western U.S.
Winter storms can present the possibility of power outages and flooding that can compromise the safety of stored food. Residents in the path of this storm should pay close attention to the forecast. FSIS recommends that consumers take the following steps to reduce food waste and the risk of foodborne illness during this and other severe weather events.