Food Safety

Food Safety After a Flood

Floods can occur at any time and cause significant  Home-canned food in glass containers
damage to homes and properties. Sewer backups, that have come in contact with the flood
leaks, broken water mains, torrential rainfalls, water. Throw away the food and flat part
sudden ice thaws and weather disasters, such a of the lids. Empty glass jars can be
hurricanes and storm surges can all result in washed and sterilized for future use.
flooding. Risk of flooding is generally highest in  Food that has come in direct contact
the spring with heavy rains and winter thawing. It with flood water. This includes meats,
is important to understand that flood water can fish, poultry, fruits and vegetables (raw or
jeopardize the safety of food. Identifying and cooked).
discarding potentially unsafe food will help  Commercially-canned foods that are
reduce the risk of food borne illness. damaged. Cans that are bulging, swelling,
leaking, punctured, dented or have holes,
How does a flood event cause food to fractures or are rusting should be thrown
be unsafe? out.
 Porous items that may come in contact
Flood water may carry silt, raw sewage, oil or with food or with person’s mouth.
chemical waste. Food may become unsafe to eat Examples include: baby bottle nipples and
if it comes in contact with contaminated flood pacifiers; wooden bowls; and plastic,
water. Even if a food package appears dry it may paper or foam food storage containers
have been contaminated if the flood water covers and utensils.
or seeps into food containers.
Only food in commercially sealed, unopened,
What do you do with unsafe food undamaged, water proof, airtight jars or metal
cans may be considered safe once cleaned and
after a flood? sanitized before use.
Inspect all food items thoroughly. Any items that
have been in contact with contaminated flood
water should be discarded. Even if the food or REMEMBER
package appears to be dry it still may not be safe.
WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT
Food that has been contaminated or spoiled may
not look different. Chemicals or pathogens
cannot usually be seen on food. The following Clean up after a flood
food safety tips can help you determine which
foods to discard and which to save. Proper cleaning and sanitizing of all surfaces and
equipment that has been in contact with flood
Items that should be discarded: water is important. This includes:
utensils/silverware, cookware, dishware, food
 Food wrapped/stored in paper, plastic contact surfaces, food preparation equipment,
cloth, fiber or cardboard. Examples floors, floor drains, and furniture.
include: dry foods such as flour, sugar,
candy, cereal, baked goods, dried beans Use the following cleaning and sanitizing method:
and rice.  Thoroughly wash with soap and warm
 All foods with permeable containers such water.
screw-caps, snap-lids, pull tops and  Rinse with clean potable water
crimped-cap containers. These containers
may not be waterproof.

novascotia.ca/agri 1 NS Agriculture, Food Protection

  Sanitize by immersing for two minutes in: Plan Ahead
 A mild bleach solution made with
5 ml (1 tsp.) bleach per 750 ml (3 If possible, raise refrigerators and freezers stored
cups) water; or in the basement off the floor. This can be done
 Hot water of 77⁰C (170⁰F) or by putting cement blocks under their corners.
hotter Move all food, canned goods, dry goods, food
 Or another approved sanitizer equipment and utensils stored at or near the
 Air dry thoroughly ground level to a higher dry area.

Closed, undamaged cans can be sanitized by If you have had a power failure as a result of the
immersing them for two minutes in a mild bleach flood, please refer to Food Safety factsheet, After
solution made with 5 ml (1 tsp.) bleach per 750 ml a Power Outage, located at:
(3 cups) of water, or if applicable can place them http://novascotia.ca/agri/documents/food-
in water and allowing to boil for at least two safety/factsheet-powerout.pdf
minutes.

Labels should be removed prior to washing and

sanitizing since they could have come in contact
with a contaminant. Be sure to re-label, including
the best before date, with a permanent marker. For further information on food safety visit the
Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture
Food Safety website at
Flooding event at an Eating http://www.novascotia.ca/agri/
Establishment
It is important that all food preparation and
service is discontinued until the appropriate steps
have been taken to protect the public’s health.
Please notify a Food Safety Specialist with Nova
Scotia Department of Agriculture, Food
Protection:
https://novascotia.ca/agri/contactus/staffdir/bra
nch.asp?dept=agr&orgLevelID=133. An inspection
may be required prior to re-opening.

What about the water supply after a

flood?
Listen to local authorities to determine if tap
water is safe to use. If the water is not safe to
use, follow instructions to use bottled water
ensuring it was not in contact with contaminated
flood water. It is also important to follow the
proper method to boil or disinfect water for
cooking, cleaning, and bathing. If on a private well
and/or have an on-site sewage disposal system,
please contact Nova Scotia Environment for
additional information on well disinfection and
necessary approvals if repair is required for the
on-site sewage disposal system.

novascotia.ca/agri 2 NS Agriculture, Food Protection