As the back-to-school season approaches, parents are reminded of the importance of food safety when preparing lunches. Ensuring that food stays safe and sound is crucial, especially for young children under the age of five who are more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses. Let’s dive into some simple steps to make food safety a priority when packing lunches for school.

Keep Cold Foods Cold

To keep perishable foods safe, always include at least two cold sources in your child’s lunch. Options like frozen gel packs or even a frozen juice box can do wonders! Position one cold pack above and one below the food. This will help maintain the ideal temperature and keep food out of the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F, where bacteria thrive. If there’s a refrigerator available at school, it’s a good idea to store lunches there until your child is ready to eat.

Choose an Insulated Lunch Bag

When selecting a lunch container, opt for an insulated lunch bag or box rather than a standard paper bag. Paper bags can easily tear, which might let warm air in and cool air out, causing your child’s food to spoil more quickly. An insulated option helps maintain optimal temperatures, keeping food fresher for longer!

Keep Hot Foods Hot

If you’re packing hot items like soups or chili, ensure they stay above 140°F for safety. A clever trick is to preheat insulated containers by filling them with boiling water for a few minutes. After that, pour out the water and fill the container with your steaming hot food. Keeping the lid closed until lunchtime will help maintain that warmth, so your child can enjoy a tasty and safe meal.

Follow the Four Steps to Food Safety

The USDA has established four vital food safety steps that should be part of your food preparation routine:

• Clean: Always wash your hands before and after handling food, and make sure to clean lunch containers on a daily basis to prevent any cross-contamination.
• Separate: It’s important to keep raw meat, poultry, and eggs away from foods that are ready to eat. Using separate containers can help avoid any cross-contamination.
• Cook: Ensure that hot foods reach safe internal temperatures. A food thermometer is a handy tool for accurate cooking.
• Chill: Promptly refrigerate any perishable food and never leave it out for more than two hours to keep it safe for consumption.

Need More Help?

If you have any questions or need assistance regarding lunch safety, feel free to reach out to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854), send an email, or chat live in English or Spanish. They provide excellent resources to help ensure food safety!

The Bottom Line

As the new school year begins, it’s essential to prioritize your child’s health and safety with their lunches. By keeping cold foods cold, hot foods hot, and following the fundamentals of Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill, you can ensure that every packed lunch is both safe and delicious!