Food safety tips need to be followed while preparing and packing your child’s lunchbox for school. Below are some of those:
First of all it is important to know that if food is let for few hours at room temperature it will increase the risk of foodborne illness to children as their immune systems are not enough developed to resist the bacteria grown on foods.
Guidelines United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reads if food is kept between the temperature of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, it enters danger zone and in twenty minutes the bacteria count will double up.
It is important to refrigerate your child’s food in the freeze with lid open of lunchbox to allow enough air circulation to cool it down. It is better if you pack the lunchbox just before your child leaves for school.
Don’t freeze every item like you can’t with lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, onions or mayonnaise of sandwiches. Pack these separately in the lunchbox so that your child can put it back during the lunch time.
Use insulated lunch box or else double paper bags if the lunch requires refrigeration. If your child has access to refrigerator at school, ask him or her to put the lunchbox in the freeze immediately after reaching school. Don’t forget to mark the box with your child’s name.
Keep perishable items like milk, yogurt, eggs, cheese or meats in a cold pack that is insulated with the lunch.
Don’t forget to pack disposable wipes inside and remind your child to use those before and after eating. Also, educate your child to wash hands before eating.
