Practice Safe Food Handling While Transporting Groceries on Hot Days, Advises FEBC

SAN RAMON, Calif., Aug. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- It's 90 degrees outside; is it safe to make a few stops with groceries in the car before heading home? Hot days can be concerning, particularly when there are more errands to run. It takes only about two hours for refrigerated food to spoil at room temperature; that time gets drastically cut down as temperatures increase. Due to cars having a lack of circulation, the inside temperature can quickly exceed the outside temperature. If it's 89 degrees outside, the inside of a vehicle can reach 114 degrees in 10 minutes, making the time groceries are left sitting in the car something to be aware of — even for shelf stable foods. Financial Education Benefits Center (FEBC), a membership benefits company that offers grocery discounts as well as health and wellness resources, reminds members to practice safety precautions when transporting groceries on warm days.

"Grocery costs can add up, and the last thing you want is to spend money on them only to have them spoil or make you sick," said Jennifer Martinez, manager at FEBC. "Most of the year you probably don't need to worry, but hot days present some challenges."

Whenever possible, try to plan out errands so that the grocery store is the last stop. This can automatically prevent any worries that might arise from food sitting in the car for too long. Parking in the shade can help keep the car a little cooler than parking in a sunny spot. Bringing insulated bags can help keep cold foods cooler for longer, but be sure to bring them into the store so they don't heat up. When packing food together in bags, put cold things with each other, so they stay cooler for longer; be sure to pack meats separately though, to avoid any cross-contamination.

Once returning to the car, avoid putting groceries in the trunk as this tends to be the hottest spot in a vehicle. Air conditioning in the cabin can keep groceries cooler for much longer; placing the bags on the seats will ensure they receive enough cool air flow. Following these tips will not only keep groceries safe to eat once returning home, but they'll also ensure that people don't have to spend more money replacing anything that spoiled due to a hot car ride. FEBC offers members discounts on groceries, which can also help ensure not having to spend more than necessary on food. FEBC's health and wellness discounts may also help with planning errands, making trips out more efficient and reducing the amount of time that groceries may need to sit in the car.

"We want our members to be as healthy as possible, and good health starts with safe, healthy food," said Martinez. "FEBC's grocery discounts are a way to achieve that without having to break the bank."

About Financial Education Benefits Center

Financial Education Benefits Center is located in San Ramon, California. The membership company has already helped thousands save money and obtain the necessary education required to live a financially healthy life.

Financial Education Benefits Center has partnered with several name brand third-party companies to expand the financial and educational products and services available to its members and to provide a variety of wellness services as well.

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Contact

To learn more about Financial Education Benefits Center, please contact:

Financial Education Benefits Center
2010 Crow Canyon Place Ste. 100
San Ramon, CA 94583
1-800-953-1388
[email protected]

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SOURCE Financial Education Benefits Center