GREENSBORO, N.C. — Many of us are experiencing record-breaking heat this summer. We might not like it, but bacteria love it because it speeds their growth, and on food that can lead to food poisoning. So how can you safely get your groceries home when the heat is on? Consumer Reports’ food-safety experts reveal some simple ways to save your food and keep your cool.
Insulated bags with cold packs are great for keeping cold and frozen items chilled until you get them home. Consumer Reports says the cooling needs to start in the store.
Meat, poultry, and fish are at the highest risk for food poisoning, so don’t let them sit in your cart while you shop. Ask for a bag of ice at the fish counter. And to avoid cross-contamination, you should bag meats separately.
"Many people go to several grocery stores in a single trip. If you make multiple stops, make your last stop where you buy your meat and poultry. That way, you minimize the amount of time these foods spend unrefrigerated," said Trisha Calvo of Consumer Reports.
CR auto experts say the best way to cool down a hot car is to open all the windows, turn on the A/C, and crank up the fan once you start driving. Once the cold air starts to flow, close the front windows, but leave the back ones partly open for about 20 seconds. This will allow the hot air to escape out the back of your car.
Avoid the trunk. When you get back to your car, don’t put the groceries in the trunk, which tends to be the hottest part of a car. Instead, put groceries in the air-conditioned cabin. And while you may think it’s better to put them on the floor, out of the sun, they’ll stay cooler if air circulates around them. “I always put my bags on the seat,” Driessen says. And don’t pack bags too tightly together or you’ll lose the benefits of the circulating air.