Can You Eat Food That Was in a House During a Fire?

Smoke deposits toxic chemicals on all surfaces, including food packaging. These chemicals, like hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide, can seep through cardboard, plastic wrap and screw-top jars. Heat from a fire can also warp seals, allowing contaminants inside cans and containers. Even food that looks untouched can be unsafe to eat because of this invisible chemical infiltration. This is a primary reason for discarding items.

You should discard any food that was near the fire, smoke, heat or water. This includes items in the pantry, refrigerator and freezer. If your freezer lost power, frozen food that has thawed is also unsafe. When in doubt, the safest rule is to throw it out to prevent potential foodborne illness or chemical poisoning. It is better to be cautious than to risk exposure to harmful substances that are not visible. Documenting these discarded items for an insurance claim is a good practice.

• All fresh produce, meat, dairy and eggs.
• Food in permeable packaging like cardboard, plastic wrap or thin bags.
• Food in screw-top jars, pull-tab cans or twist-off containers.
• Any food stored in cabinets that were exposed to smoke or heat.
• Canned goods that are bulging, rusted, dented or sooty.
• Food or medicine stored in the refrigerator if the power was off.

Regular maintenance can reduce fire and water risks. Inspect appliance cords and have a plumber check for leaks. Know the location of your main water shutoff valve. In humid climates, plumbing systems can be under additional stress from seasonal weather changes. Keep a written list of emergency contacts, including your insurance agent and local water damage pros. Also, ensure you have working smoke detectors on every level of your home.