Safety comes first when packing kids' lunches
The new school year likely means a return to packing lunches and after-school snacks for kids who carry these items to and from home. And while many parents are thinking about what to pack, experts say it's important to think about how to pack to keep kids healthy.
Bacteria that cause foodborne illness, commonly known as food poisoning, grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. In this temperature range, these microorganisms can multiply to dangerous levels in just two hours, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
To make sure lunches and snacks are safe, follow the USDA's four steps to food safety: clean, separate, cook and chill.
Packing tips
If the lunch or snack contains perishable food items such as luncheon meats, eggs, cheese or yogurt, make sure to pack it with at least two cold sources. Harmful bacteria multiply rapidly, so perishable food transported without an ice source will not stay safe long.
Frozen juice boxes or water can be used as freezer packs. Freeze these items overnight and use with at least one other freezer pack. By lunchtime, the liquid will have thawed and should be ready to drink.
Pack lunches containing perishable food in an insulated lunch box or soft-sided lunch bag. Perishable food can be unsafe to eat by lunchtime if packed in a paper bag.
If packing a hot lunch such as soup, chili or stew, use an insulated container to keep it hot. Fill the container with boiling water, let stand for a few minutes, empty, then put in the piping hot food. Tell children to keep the insulated container closed until lunchtime to keep the food hot at 140 degrees or above.
If packing a child's lunch the night before, parents should leave it in the refrigerator overnight. The meal will stay cold longer because everything will be refrigerator temperature when it is placed in the lunchbox.
If you're responsible for packing snacks for the team, troop or group, keep perishable foods in a cooler with ice or cold packs until snack time. Pack snacks in individual bags or containers, rather than having children share food from one serving dish.
Storage tips
If possible, a child's lunch should be stored in a refrigerator or cooler with ice upon arrival. Leave the lid of the lunchbox or bag open in the fridge so that cold air can better circulate and keep the food cold.
Eating and disposal
Pack disposable wipes for washing hands before and after eating.
After lunch, children should discard all leftover food, used food packaging and paper bags. Do not reuse packaging because it could contaminate other food and cause foodborne illness.
Consumers can learn more about key food safety practices at Foodsafety.gov, by following @USDAFoodSafety on Twitter, and by liking Facebook.com/FoodSafety.gov.
Consumers with questions about food safety can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (888) 674-6854, or chat live with a food safety specialist at AskKaren.gov, available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time weekdays in English or Spanish.
If you have questions about storage times of food or beverages, download USDA's new FoodKeeper application for Android and iOS devices.