Words on Wellness: Take safe food to the potluck

Potluck meals are a fun, low-cost way to celebrate the holidays at friends? homes and in offices, classrooms, and churches.

During the rush of the holidays, show your concern for others by following these food transportation safety tips: car seats are often contaminated with germs that can cause illness. Cover your car seat with a clean sheet or large towel before placing the food container on it; keep cold foods cold, 40 degrees F or below. Take cold foods out of the fridge just before leaving home. Keep them in insulated containers with a cooler pack; keep hot foods hot, at least 140 F. Put your piping hot food in a slow cooker set on low. Just before getting into the car, unplug the slow cooker and put it in a quilted carrier or insulated bag; do not keep the food in the car for more than an hour. At your destination, plug in the slow cooker immediately; if hot food has cooled during the car trip, or if you brought refrigerated food that needs to be served hot, do not try to reheat it with a slow cooker. Reheat the food in a microwave or on a stove top until it is 165 F.

For more tips on slow-cooker safety, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/foodsafety/content/slowcookers.