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Tips for safe kid's lunch boxes

Young children

Young children are particularly vulnerable from food poisoning. Parents and care-givers can help protect kids by following a few simple guidelines.

The bacteria that cause food poisoning grow between 5^oC and 60^oC, this is known as the "temperature danger zone".

Keep your kids lunches safe from foodborne illness with our simple tips on packing the perfect lunch box!

Use insulated lunch boxes or cooler bags
Pack a frozen drink bottle (popper) or 'built-in' water bottle or freezer brick inside the lunch box or bag, next to the food that should be kept cold
Freeze the water bottle half filled, then top up with cold water before school so there's liquid to drink
If making lunches ahead of time such as the night before, keep them in the fridge until leaving for school
Ask children to keep packed lunches in a cool, dark place such as a locker and out of direct sunlight and away from heat
Or pack lunches that don't need to be kept cold, such as sandwiches with spreads like Vegemite™, jam, UHT dairy products, whole uncut fruits and vegetables and, for older children who can open them safely, tinned fish products.

Pack a frozen water bottle or drink Follow food safety tips whenever you are handling food for yourself and your family:

Keep cold food in the fridge until you are ready to cook or serve
Serve hot food steaming hot
Cook food thoroughly. Make sure there's no pink left in cooked meats such as mince or sausages
Look for clear juices before serving chicken or pork
Separate raw and cooked food and use different cutting boards and knives for each
Wash and dry hands thoroughly before preparing any food, even a snack and after touching raw meat and chicken
Keep utensils and kitchen clean and dry