Travel Safely With Your Holiday Treats This Season

What is The Safest Way to Transport Food for the Holidays?

The holiday season is upon us. That means getting together with friends and family to share our time and, most importantly, food. Safely transporting food is crucial to keeping people healthy. Small mistakes can lead to foodborne illness, some of which can have major consequences. So, what is the safest way to transport food for the holidays? Our team has dozens of years of experience in all kinds of areas. Let’s take a close look at some of their best tips. 

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Keep Hot Foods Hot

There’s nothing worse than arriving with a dish that was once steaming hot but is now lukewarm and unappetizing. To maintain heat, start by choosing the right container—insulated carriers or thermal bags work wonders for keeping dishes at a safe temperature. If you don’t have one, a simple but effective trick is to wrap your dish in aluminum foil and then cocoon it in thick towels before placing it in a sturdy container. 

Slow cookers and other similar vessels are also great for transport since they retain heat well and can be plugged in as soon as you arrive. If you’re traveling for more than an hour, consider bringing a heating pad to place underneath the dish or even reheating it upon arrival.

Ensure Cold Foods Stay Cold

If you’re bringing something like a creamy dip, a fresh salad, or a dessert with dairy, a cooler packed with ice packs is your best friend. Pre-chilling the cooler before adding your food can help maintain a consistent temperature. 

On especially cold days, you can use nature to your advantage—placing the cooler in the trunk or another shaded part of the car can help preserve the chill. If you’re traveling a long distance, refreshing the ice packs midway through the trip can provide extra security.

Prevent Spills

Some dishes require a little extra care. Items like cakes and pies can cause issues when packing up the car; our team has found the following tips helpful:

• Use Dry Ice for Frozen Foods: Keeps frozen foods solid for longer.
• Bring Extra Ice Packs: Refresh them as needed for long trips.
• Keep a Food Thermometer: Ensure hot foods stay above 60° C and cold foods below 4 ° C for safety.

Everyone at Davis Chevrolet wants you to get the most out of your vehicle. If you’re ever in need of some additional help, make an appointment with one of our representatives today.