Pack a Safe Lunch

September has arrived and it’s time to head back to school! Region of Waterloo Public Health has some tips to share about how to safely pack and enjoy school lunches.

Foodborne illness can be caused by the growth of bacteria in food at temperatures between 4⁰C-60⁰C (40⁰F-140⁰F), often called the danger zone. Health Canada estimates that there are anywhere from 11 to 13 million cases of foodborne illness in Canada every year. Many of these cases could have been prevented if safe food handling practices were followed.

When packing lunches for school or work, follow these simple food safety tips to reduce the incidence of foodborne illness and protect your family’s health:

• Wash hands in warm soapy water before handling food. Make sure to remind your children to wash their hands too.
• Wash lunch bags and thermoses after each use. Seams and corners can harbor bacteria if not thoroughly cleaned.
• Keep surfaces used to prepare lunches such as countertops, cutting boards, and utensils, clean and sanitized.
• Cook meats and poultry thoroughly. Cool them quickly and keep them refrigerated until the sandwich or salad is made.
• Store perishable foods such as sandwiches or salads made with eggs, cooked meats, or poultry, at 4⁰C/40⁰F or colder in the refrigerator. If a refrigerator is not available, be sure to use an insulated lunch box and reusable ice packs. Freezing juice or a water bottle that is packed with the lunch will also help keep the food cool.
• Keep food items such as soups, stews and chilli at 60⁰C/140⁰F or warmer. Keep them hot in a clean thermal container with a tight fitting lid.
• When keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold is not possible, consider foods that are safe to eat at room temperature. Bacteria do not grow in foods that are high in acid or low in moisture. The following foods are safe at room temperature: crackers, bread, cereal, peanut butter, whole fruits, dried fruits, canned foods, juice boxes, nuts and seeds.

By following these simple steps, you can protect yourself and your family and prevent foodborne illness.

For additional food safety information, please call Region of Waterloo Public Health, Food Safety Program at 519- 883-2008, or check out our website at: www.region.waterloo.on.ca/ph

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Media contact: Andy Hong, Public Health Inspector, 519-883-2008 ext.5410