How to Properly Pack a Cooler

Now that it’s summertime and the temperatures are rising, it is important to be aware of food safety and the dangers of food poisoning. Bacteria grow on food between 40˚F and 140˚F. Additionally, cold food warms up quicker when the outside temperatures are above 90˚F. Portable coolers can help protect your food and your health when you are on the go, at outdoor activities or grocery shopping. However, it is important to know how to pack your cooler correctly in order to keep your food at 40˚F or below so that it doesn’t spoil and possibly cause food poisoning.

Remember to keep it cold

YOU WILL NEED A COOLER:

• If your grocery store is more than 30 minutes away from home
• While transporting food on road trips
• While boating, camping, visiting the beach, or picnicking
• At barbecues and outdoor parties

NECESSARY ITEMS:

• Multiple insulated coolers
• Plenty of ice, frozen gel packs, or pre-frozen water bottles (serve as ice packs AND extra water if you get thirsty!)
• An appliance thermometer
• Re-sealable plastic bags
• Watertight plastic storage containers

HOW TO PACK YOUR COOLER:

1. Pack perishable foods directly from the fridge or freezer into the cooler. Items may be packed while still frozen; they will stay colder longer.
2. If your cooler isn’t completely filled, pack the remaining space with ice or frozen gel packs. A full cooler will stay colder longer than a partially filled one.
3. If possible place all raw meat, poultry, and seafood in a separate cooler. Otherwise, place them in a secure wrapping and watertight plastic storage container at the bottom of the cooler so their juices won’t contaminate other food items.
4. Store ALL food in watertight plastic storage containers to prevent contact with melting ice and other foods or liquids.
5. Place beverages in a separate cooler since it will be opened and closed multiple times, allowing the cold air to escape. Pre-chill your beverages before placing them in the cooler, and pack them on the bottom before filling the cooler with ice. This is because cold air travels downwards.

COOLER TIPS AND TRICKS

1. Limit the amount of times the food cooler is opened, and be sure to open and close the lid quickly and securely.
2. Use an appliance temperature to take the guesswork out of knowing whether or not your food is safe to eat. Put one in your cooler, and make sure it reads 40˚F or below.
3. Don’t let your food sit out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour when the outside temperature is 90˚F or above. Put perishables back into the cooler immediately after eating.
4. For long road trips, take 2 coolers: 1 for snacks and the day’s immediate food needs, and 1 for perishable foods to be used later in the vacation.
5. While driving, keep your cooler on the floor of the passenger side of your vehicle, not in the sauna-like trunk.
6. Once outside, keep your cooler under a shaded area like a park bench or tree, partially bury it in the sand, and cover with a light-colored blanket. Don’t ever leave your cooler in direct sunlight or inside of your warm car.

AND REMEMBER:

The number one rule when deciding if your food is safe: When in doubt, throw it out!

For more information, be sure to check out: Foodsafety.gov, Keep Your Cooler, and Plastics Info.

Nicholas Fischetti is a dietetic intern at the Memphis VA Medical Center. He recently received his Masters of Science in Nutrition Science from Syracuse University.