(HealthDay News) -- Heading out to enjoy some tailgating? Pack the proper supplies to safely cook and store your food.
The U.S. Food Safety Administration mentions these tips:
- Pack an insulated cooler filled with ice to carry cold meats and perishables -- such as lunch meats, potato salad, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken or sausages.
- Place a food thermometer inside the cooler to make sure the temperature stays at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
- Securely wrap all raw meat and poultry to make sure juices don't leak and contaminate other foods.
- Eat hot takeout food within two hours of purchasing. If the outside temperature is above 90 degrees, eat within one hour.
- Pack hot foods (such as chili, soup or stew) in a closed, insulated container that was preheated.
- If hot food can't stay hot long enough, pack it cold and reheat to 165 degrees Fahrenheit when it's time to eat.
- Pack additional essentials, such as utensils, grilling tools, a thermometer, fresh water for cleaning and disposable towelettes to keep your hands clean.
