Floodwater pathogens can’t be washed off of fresh produce

Even the thick rinds of pumpkins and melons cannot protect the edible portion of the produce if it has been exposed to floodwater.
Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water.
Discard any food and beverage that is not in a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with flood water.
Food containers that are waterproof include undamaged, commercially prepared foods in all-metal cans and “retort pouches” — like flexible, shelf-stable juice or seafood pouches.
Food containers that are not waterproof include those with screw-caps, snap lids, pull tops, and crimped caps.
Also discard cardboard juice/milk/baby formula boxes and home canned foods if they have come in contact with flood water, because they cannot be effectively cleaned and sanitized.
Discard any food in damaged cans. Damaged cans are those with swelling, leakage, punctures, holes, fractures, extensive deep rusting, or crushing/denting that is severe enough to prevent normal stacking or opening with a manual, wheel-type can opener. Thoroughly wash metal pans, ceramic dishes, and utensils — including can openers — with soap and water, using hot water if available. Rinse and then sanitize them by boiling in clean water or immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water — or the cleanest, clearest water available. Thoroughly wash countertops with soap and water, using hot water if available. Rinse and then sanitize by applying a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water — or the cleanest, clearest water available. Allow to air dry. Saving undamaged food packages Undamaged, commercially prepared foods in all-metal cans and “retort pouches” — like flexible, shelf-stable juice or seafood pouches — can be saved if you follow this procedure. However public health officials say the golden rule of food safety should be the primary rule: When in doubt, throw it out. Food in reconditioned cans or retort pouches should be used as soon as possible after following these steps: 1. Remove the labels, if they are the removable kind, since they can harbor dirt and bacteria. 2. Brush or wipe away any dirt or silt. 3. Thoroughly wash the cans or retort pouches with soap and water, using hot water if it is available. 4. Rinse the cans or retort pouches with water that is safe for drinking, if available, since dirt or residual soap will reduce the effectiveness of chlorine sanitation. 5. Sanitize cans and retort pouches by immersion in one of the two following ways:- Place in water and allow the water to come to a boil and continue boiling for 2 minutes.
- Place in a freshly made solution consisting of 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water — or the cleanest, clearest water available — for 15 minutes.
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