If packing the cooler for a fourth of July cookout is on your agenda, there are a few summertime food safety tips to keep in mind.
First, make sure anyone and everyone who handles the food washes their hands before and after each step in preparing the feast.
It is recommended that coolers maintain a temperature of 40 degrees, just like your refrigerator.
Hamburgers should be cooked at 165 degrees and each patty needs to be checked before serving.
And finally, meat, fruit and dairy products should be kept at room temperature for no longer than two hours. If it is extremely warm outside, no more than one hour.
