Bears are not the only worry!
Summer time in Coeur d'Alene is filled with fun, family and camping. The great outdoors offer plenty of opportunity for fun, and food is almost always close by.
During the summer months spent camping, it is important to consider food safety when packing, preparing and eating food. Here are a few tips to stay food safe during the summer months:
1) Package food safely: Make sure that all food brought camping is appropriately stored. Keep food cool by purchasing a block of ice on the way out of town. Make sure that the food container seals tightly, leaving the heat out and cool in. Make sure that foods are packaged in a way to avoid food contamination. Store meats separately or on the bottom of the cooler. Make sure packaged foods, eggs and dairy are stored in the center, and any fresh vegetables are packaged toward the top of the cooler
2) Prepare food correctly: It is important that food is cooked thoroughly at the right temperature. Make sure that your meats reach the right internal temperature to kill off any bacteria from poor storage or age. Cooking ground beef until it is no longer pink is not a reliable indicator of doneness. You must use a thermometer to ensure adequate cooking temperatures are reached. The cooking temperature for ground beef is 160 degrees F, chicken breasts are 165 degrees F, and pork should be cooked at 145 degrees F. Any leftovers should be reheated to 165 degrees. Water should also be safely acquired or prepared. It is recommend to purchase two gallons of commercially packaged water per day of camping. Any local water used for cooking should be boiled above 200 degrees F to ensure any bacteria is killed.
3) Eat well and clean up: Cooking in camp can be fun - whether you are roasting beef over an open flame or roasting marshmallows over the coals. No matter what you prepare, make sure you clean up your mess. Secure all food packaging in a garbage bag and haul it out with you. Burn any leftovers and cover any spillage with earth that would cause critters to enter the area. Also, make sure you take soap to wash utensils and hands before and after preparing food.
4) Avoid the bears: Lastly, make sure your food and camp equipment is secure from bears. Lock all of your cooking equipment in a car or RV. Hang your food off of the ground by using a nearby tree branch. For more industrious campers, purchase a bear-proof food storage container and package your food and utensils in the container. If you hear any bear-like noises, stay in your tent or RV. You don't want to become a bear's food!
Using these tips, eating while camping in the summer can be a blast! Just remember to stay safe from food... and bears.
Dr. SeAnne Safaii, Ph.D., RDN, LD, is an associate professor at the University of Idaho.