Can Flood Damaged Food Be Safely Eaten?

Floodwater is rarely clean. It often contains sewage, agricultural runoff, and household chemicals. These contaminants can seep through cardboard, plastic, and even sealed jars if the seal is compromised.

Food safety rules from health agencies state that any food touched by floodwater is unsafe. This includes cans with dents, rust, or swelling. The risk of foodborne illness is high, so discarding affected items is the safest choice.

• Discard any food with a compromised seal.
• Throw out cardboard boxes and paper packaging.
• Toss fresh produce that touched floodwater.
• Remove loose or peelable lids from containers.
• When in doubt, throw it out.

If floodwater reached your refrigerator or freezer, treat all contents as contaminated. Even if the power was off and foods stayed cold, the water may have entered through vents or seals. Products like meat, dairy, and leftovers should be discarded.

Ice from an ice maker that was submerged is unsafe as well. Clean the freezer thoroughly before using it again. If the temperature stayed below 40F for less than two hours, some items might be safe, but only if the water never touched them directly.

Once you clear out contaminated food, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water. If your water supply is unsafe, use bottled water for cleaning and drinking until authorities give the all-clear. Document discarded food with photos for your insurance claim.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy to see if food loss is included. For help with cleaning up flood damage, local water damage pros can handle the cleanup and drying of your home. In Oakland, keep a list of emergency contacts handy.