Health Tip: Packing Food for a Road Trip

(HealthDay News) — Packing a cooler for a road trip can help you enjoy delicious foods without worrying that they’ll spoil and make you sick.

The University of Minnesota Extension explains how to pack your cooler:

Transfer foods directly from the refrigerator or freezer to the cooler.
Separate meat and poultry from other foods that do not need to be cooked. Use a leakproof bag or a separate cooler for these items.
Use a cooler that’s appropriate for what you need, and pack it full. A fully stocked cooler will keep foods colder than a partially filled one.
Use watertight packaging to prevent food from mixing with the cooler’s ice.
Make sure the cooler’s temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
Store the cooler inside the car, not in the trunk. Limit opening the cooler.
Cover the cooler with a heavy towel to provide insulation.