Packed lunches could create higher risks for food-borne illnesses

Packed lunches might provide healthier options for kids, but might also be more dangerous than parents expect. Studies suggest that unsafe temperatures put kids at higher risk for contracting food-borne illnesses.Perishable food items should be at about 40 degrees or cooler. In a study published in Pediatrics journal, researchers found that only 1.6 percent of 1,361 perishable items tested from preschool-aged kids’ lunches were at a safe temperature.The study categorized the perishable items into three groups: meats, dairy and vegetables. About 97.4 percent of meats, 99 percent of dairy products and 95.8 percent of vegetables were not at acceptable temperatures. These unsafe temperatures are an invitation to food-borne pathogens that spread and, ultimately, contaminate our systems, leaving us with even greater health risks. Food-borne pathogens multiply in warm, moist conditions, scientists also discovered.Parents have a few options to take into account for keeping packed lunches healthy. The first obvious option would be to completely eliminate the presence of perishable items from packed lunches. Instead, pack things like peanut butter sandwiches, apple sauce cups, certain fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, crackers, breads and more. If perishable items are included in a packed lunch, provide your kids with insulated lunch bags and multiple ice packs.