FSM 385: Camping Cooler Tips: Pack it Cold, Eat it Safe

Transcript [Music] From Washington State University Extension, this is Food Safety in a Minute. Planning a car camping trip this summer? Coolers are a key piece of outdoor equipment, keeping perishable food safe to eat. • Pack food cold, frozen if possible. To keep all your perishable foods safe, maintain temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below in your cooler. • You’ll need a supply of ice. An easy, inexpensive method is using frozen water bottles. • For food safety, double-bag raw meat, stored on the bottom of the cooler. • Ready-to-eat foods are placed on top in leak-proof containers. • Use a refrigerator thermometer inside your cooler. Keep your cooler in shade, cover with a towel. • Follow the two-hour rule (1 hour if temperatures are 90 degrees). When in doubt, throw it out. Thanks for listening to Food Safety in a Minute, I’m Susie Craig. [Music] Resources REI co-op Expert Advice. Food Storage and Handling for Campers and Backpackers. https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/food-handling-storage.html. Accessed online 3/1/26.