Dealing with Flood & Sewer Waters in Your Home
Salvaging Food Items

After flooding, all food items which have been submerged need to be destroyed, unless they are stored in hermetically sealed, metal cans. Foods which are not stored in cans and have been exposed to sewage-contaminated flood waters cannot be cleaned well enough to be consumed. This includes any foods which were stored in plastic or glass bottles. The contaminated food is very dangerous.

Food which is stored in metal cans can be cleaned and salvaged for consumption. First, remove labels and thoroughly wash cans in soapy water by scrubbing with a brush. Immerse containers in strong chlorine solution (1 oz. chlorine bleach to 1 gallon clean water) for 15 minutes. Dry containers to prevent rusting.