Final answer:
When a freezer reaches a temperature of 55°F during a power outage and the products have thawed, it is important to discard the thawed products to avoid the risk of foodborne illness. Cleaning and sanitizing the freezer is also recommended before using it again. To prevent future thawing, it is advisable to keep the freezer well insulated and have a backup power source.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a freezer reaches a temperature of 55°F during a power outage and the products have thawed, it is important to take certain steps to ensure food safety. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), perishable foods should be discarded if they have been held at temperatures above 40°F for more than 2 hours. This is because bacteria can multiply rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.
In this case, since the temperature in the freezer has risen above 40°F, it is recommended to discard the thawed products to avoid the risk of foodborne illness. It is also important to clean and sanitize the freezer before using it again. To prevent thawing during future power outages, it is advisable to keep the freezer well insulated and to have a backup power source, such as a generator or battery-operated backup system.