In the event of a power outage or other unforeseen circumstances that result in the shutdown of electricity and freezers in a Super Walmart, the store typically follows certain protocols to manage the defrosted food. While I can't provide information on Walmart's specific practices in 2023, I can offer a general idea of what they might do based on standard industry procedures.
Evaluate the situation: Store management and employees would assess the extent of the power outage and the duration for which the freezers will be inoperable. This evaluation helps determine the severity of the situation and the appropriate actions to take.
Contact authorities: Walmart may contact local health and safety authorities to report the situation and seek guidance on how to handle the defrosted food.
Temperature monitoring: Staff members will monitor the internal temperatures of the refrigerators and freezers to determine if any food is still within a safe temperature range. Some items might remain safe to consume depending on the duration of the power outage and the specific food items involved.
Dispose of perishable items: If it is determined that the food has reached unsafe temperatures or has been defrosted for an extended period, Walmart would typically dispose of perishable items. This is done to prioritize customer safety and prevent the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Salvage non-perishable items: Non-perishable items that are not affected by the power outage or food that has remained within a safe temperature range may be salvaged. These items can be returned to the store shelves for sale.
Clean and sanitize: After disposing of the affected food, the store would thoroughly clean and sanitize the refrigerators and freezers before resuming their regular operation.
It's important to note that these steps may vary based on the specific policies and procedures implemented by Walmart and the local health authorities. In any case, the priority is to ensure customer safety and prevent the consumption of potentially unsafe food.