Is food safe that has gone through a fire?
• Food in cans or jars may appear to be okay, but if they’ve been close to the heat of a fire, they may no longer be edible because heat from a fire can activate food spoilage bacteria. If the heat is extreme, the cans or jars themselves can split or rupture, rendering the food unsafe. • Toxic fumes can also contaminate food. Any type of food stored in permeable packaging–cardboard, plastic wrap, etc.–should be thrown away. Toxic fumes can permeate the packaging and contaminate the food. Discard any raw foods stored outside the refrigerator, such as potatoes or fruit, that could be contaminated by fumes. Food stored in refrigerators or freezers can also become contaminated by fumes. The refrigerator seal isn’t airtight and fumes can get inside. If your food has an off-flavor or odor when it’s prepared, throw it away. • Chemicals used to fight fires contain toxic materials and can contaminate food and cookware. The chemicals cannot be washed off the food. Foods that are exposed to che
