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.