
Sponsored Article

Thwarting the safety threats that can lurk in kids' lunch boxes

Updated: 11/08/2013 10:04 am


'When you're packing a school lunch, it's important to think about the perishability of the foods you're making,' says Rutgers University professor Don Schaffner, an extension specialist in food science and spokesperson of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). 'Perishable foods can remain at room temperature for no more than two hours - one in the summer due to the heat. Properly refrigerated foods can last a long time, but most school children won't have access to a refrigerator where they can store their lunchbox.'




* As much as possible, opt for foods that are not perishable, such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. 'It's a kid favorite and neither ingredient is quickly perishable,' Schaffner points out. 'You don't have to worry about refrigerating it, and it will last from the time you prepare it in the morning until kids consume it at lunchtime.' Single-serve fruits in pre-packaged containers, such as apple sauce or fruit cocktail, are also great options because they're less perishable.


* Cold packs are designed to keep food cold, not cool it down. If you make the sandwich in the morning with room-temperature ingredients, it's unlikely the cold pack will be able to cool the food sufficiently. Instead, make the sandwich the night before and refrigerate the whole thing, or use refrigerated ingredients to ensure the sandwich starts out - and stays - cool.



Finally, says Schaffner, think ahead.

'Not planning adequately, not thinking about the amount of time it's going to take, from the time that food is prepared until that food is eaten, is a common mistake,' he says. 'At night, wash the cold pack and make sure it goes back in the freezer so it's ready for the next day. Give yourself plenty of time in the morning to wash your hands thoroughly before handling food. And keep stressing to kids the importance of washing their own hands before they sit down to lunch each day.'

Inergize Digital This site is hosted and managed by Inergize Digital.
Mobile advertising for this site is available on Local Ad Buy.