The Back-to-School Lunch Box: Keeping food cool means keeping it safe

The lunch-packing season goes hand-in-hand with the start of school near the end of summer. The mid-to late-August heat makes the lunchbox extremely vulnerable to bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. Here are some tips for keeping those lunch box contents cool and safe to eat.

• Prepare lunches the night before. Let the items get thoroughly cold – in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Pack lunches in an insulated lunch box.
• Add a cold source e.g. freezer gel or frozen juice box. Pack meat sandwiches between these.
• Remind children that, at school, they need to keep lunch boxes and bags away from direct sunlight. Keep them in the refrigerator if possible.
• Pack handy wipes along with the lunch. That way, even if kids forget to wash their hands before they eat, they’ll find a friendly reminder in their lunch box.

Source: Soap and Detergent Cleaning Matters