Home > Food Safety > Food Safety for the Season > Hot Weather Food Safety Reminders

Hot Weather Food Safety Reminders

Summer is heating up and warmer temperatures mean it is important to Be Food Safe and keep foods properly chilled while outdoors and on-the-go. Follow the basic Be Food Safe practices of Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill to help reduce your family’s risk of foodborne illness.

• Pack your cooler just before you hit the road. If you pack meat and poultry while it is still frozen it will stay colder longer.

• Pack foods in your cooler in reverse-use order-pack foods first that you are likely to use last. By doing this, you avoid having to unpack and repack the cooler along
  the way.

• Pack lots of ice and/or freezer packs to ensure a constant cold temperature. A full cooler will maintain a cold temperature longer than one that is partially filled.

• Keep the cooler out of direct sunlight.

• Keep drinks in a separate cooler from foods. The beverage cooler will be opened frequently while the food cooler stays closed.

• Take perishable foods in the smallest quantity needed and pack only the amount of food you think you‘ll use.

Consider taking along non-perishable foods and snacks that don’t need to be refrigerated.

On-the-Run or On-the-Road?
If running warm water and soap are not available for handwashing, be sure you bring along disposable wipes or hand cleanser. Always clean hands before handling food!

Super Heat
Remember—In hot weather (above 90F), food should never sit out for more than 1 hour. Discard any food left out more than 2 hours (1 hour if temperatures are above 90° F)

Back