Can Wildfire Smoke Contaminate Food?

Transcript [Music] I’m Susie Craig and this is a special series of podcasts focused on Wildfires and Food Safety. Wildfire smoke and heat can contaminate food even when packaging looks undamaged. USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service advises discarding food directly exposed to smoke or fumes because contaminants can penetrate cardboard, plastic wrap, and other permeable materials. Refrigerator and freezer seals are not always airtight, meaning food stored inside a smoke-damaged building may be affected and require disposal. The primary concern is contamination of food, packaging, and food-contact surfaces. After smoke damage, some commercially canned food can be saved. Learn about the cleaning process by listening to After a Wildfire: Handling Undamaged Commercially Canned Foods in this series of podcasts. Or, visit the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service for additional guidance. From Washington State University Extension, listen to this series and Food Safety in a Minute. [Music] References U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service. (n.d.). Keep your food safe during emergencies: Power outages, floods & fires. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/emergencies/keep-your-food-safe-during-emergencies, Accessed online 8/7/26.