The summertime is filled with fun outdoor activities, and many people like to take their meals outdoors as well. If you want to bring a picnic along on a vacation or day trip, here are a few safety tips to make sure it doesn’t go bad.
- Keep cool. Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind when traveling with food is that the hot sun can cause it to thaw and, in turn, make you sick. Be sure to pack all foods in coolers or on ice, and store drinks in a separate cooler to avoid opening the food cooler too frequently.
- Pack meat while it’s still frozen. If you plan on cooking hamburgers or hot dogs once you arrive at your destination, pack it in the cooler while it’s still frozen to keep it cold for longer.
- Pack lots of bottled water. If you’re hiking or camping where you won’t have access to fresh water, stock up on bottled water. Avoid drinking from streams or rivers, as they may be contaminated with bacteria.
- Avoid leftovers. Try to pack only enough food for the day, and throw out any leftovers. Food starts to go bad as soon as it sits in the sun, so it definitely won’t be safe to eat the next day.
Food Safety While Hiking, Camping & Boating [USDA]
Handling Food Safely on the Road [USDA]
Food Safety While Boating, Camping and Hiking [MDH]
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