Travel snacks can spoil vacation

Many parents of young children will prepare snacks for extended summer travel, but if goodies are not stored properly, a fun-filled family trip could turn into a spoiled vacation. "Millions of Americans get sick each year from foods that are not properly stored," notes Lona Sandon, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. "Simply washing your hands frequently when preparing food could prevent 50% of food-borne illnesses."

To help ensure that your family remains healthy and happy, Sandon, a registered dietitian, says to: wash your hands before and after eating; keep raw foods separate from cooked items; cook food to proper temperatures, above 160[degrees]F for most meats; and keep cold foods cold, or less than 40[degrees]F.

Sandon also suggests packing easily transportable, nonperishable goods such as single-serving cereal boxes or fruit cups, trail mix, granola or cereal bars, individually wrapped peanut butter and cracker packages, fresh fruit, and canned tuna lunch packs.

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