How long can food stay safe inside a closed fridge or freezer during load shedding?

During load shedding, how long food stays safe depends on whether the fridge or freezer stays closed and how full it is. As a general guide, a closed refrigerator usually keeps food at a safe temperature for about 4 hours, while a full freezer can often keep food frozen for around 48 hours, and a half-full freezer for about 24 hours. Try to leave the doors closed as much as possible to help retain the cold air inside. If the power returns after an outage, check the temperature and the condition of the food before using it. Perishable items such as meat, dairy, and cooked meals should be inspected carefully if they have been above safe temperatures for too long. When in doubt, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard food that may no longer be safe. A reliable fridge or freezer, used with care during outages, can help protect your groceries and give you greater peace of mind.