FIRES AND FOOD SAFETY - USDA

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRIGULTURE


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  • 1400 Independence Ave. S.W.
    Washington, District Of Columbia
local_phone

USDA's Fire and Food Safety offers useful information to the public.

Generally, saving food that's been in a fire is not a good idea. Food exposed to fire can be compromised by three factors: the heat of the fire, smoke fumes, and chemicals used to fight fire.

Heat from the 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 safe. Why? 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.

Fumes from a Fire

One of the most dangerous elements of a fire is sometimes not the fire itself, but toxic fumes released from burning materials. Those fumes can kill; they can also contaminate food. 

Chemicals in Fires

Chemicals used to fight fires contain toxic materials and can contaminate food and cookware. 

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