Food Safety & Lunchboxes

FOOD SAFETY & LUNCHBOXES

Section Overview

This section discusses tips for choosing the right lunchbox and keeping your child safe from harmful food-borne illnesses.

Importance of Food Safety

Food safety ensures that our food does not contain any contaminants and hazards. Therefore, proper food preparation prevents food borne illnesses. When preparing your child’s lunchbox, it is important to prevent food-borne illnesses by controlling the temperature of foods. 

Note: Food-borne illnesses grow between 40℉ – 140℉.

Choosing the Right Lunchbox

  • 1) Choose an insulated lunchbox! – Insulated lunchboxes will help maintain the temperature of food and are easier to clean than cloth lunchboxes. There are many different types of insulated lunchboxes with varying patterns and colors for children of all ages.
  • 2) Use an insulated thermos to keep food warm – place hot food inside the thermos and seal with the lid to keep food warm throughout the day
  • 3) Use ice packs to keep food cold – choose hard-sided ice packs rather than soft-sided ice packs! Hard ice packs are thicker and stay frozen longer than soft ice packs

Lunchbox Food Safety Tips

  • 1) Wipe down the inside of your child’s lunchbox each day before packing new food the following day
  • 2) Hand wash your child’s lunchbox periodically or machine wash (gentle cycle with cold water & air dry)
  • 3) Practice hand washing with your child! Prioritize hand hygiene in your family’s daily life and encourage your child to wash their hands before snacks and meals while at school