Do not consume animal products during power outages exceeding two hours, TRNC Chamber of Food Engineers

Lefkoşa, 22 July 2025 — Beste Oymen, President of the Chamber of Food Engineers under the Union of Chambers of Cyprus Turkish Engineers and Architects (KTMMOB), has issued a public warning regarding the growing threat to food safety posed by frequent electricity outages across the country.

Highlighting the invisible dangers of power disruptions, Oymen urged the public not to consume perishable animal products such as meat, milk, eggs, and poultry if power outages exceed two hours.

"If the power outage lasts longer than two hours and refrigerator temperatures rise above +4°C, animal products should not be consumed—even if they appear and smell fine," Oymen emphasized.

"Your Refrigerator May Be a Silent Threat"

In an official statement titled “While the Power Is Out, Your Refrigerator May Be a Silent Threat,” Oymen explained that cold chain disruption can allow harmful microorganisms to grow, even without visible signs of spoilage.

She noted that appearance can be deceiving, and warned against relying solely on sight or smell when assessing food safety. Spoiled food may not always emit an odor or show visible deterioration, yet it can still pose serious health risks, including food poisoning.

Key Recommendations for Households

Oymen offered practical advice to minimize health risks during outages:

-Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed during power cuts.

-Use ice packs or frozen water bottles to maintain cool temperatures.

-Monitor internal temperature with a fridge thermometer.

-Discard perishables if the temperature exceeds +4°C for more than 2 hours.

-Never refreeze thawed food.

-Always err on the side of caution—“When in doubt, throw it out.”

Warning to Businesses and Consumers

The Food Engineers' Chamber President also addressed food producers, sellers, and service providers, stressing the importance of installing generators or uninterruptible power supply systems to maintain cold storage during outages.

"Infrastructure that ensures the continuity of the cold chain is not just about product quality—it’s essential for public health,” Oymen stated.

She also advised caution when consuming ready-made meals, deli items, desserts, and meat products purchased from outside sources during blackout periods, especially in regions known to be affected.

Call for Collective Responsibility

Oymen concluded by reminding the public that ensuring food safety is a shared responsibility:

“Children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable. Everyone—producers, sellers, and consumers—must take responsibility during these periods. Simple precautions today can prevent serious health consequences tomorrow.”

The Chamber of Food Engineers urges the public to remain alert, take proactive steps to protect food safety during power outages, and report any concerns regarding food handling or safety to the appropriate authorities.