Lunchbox Food Safety

We pack lunch for work or school everyday so it’s good to know basic information about food allergies and food safety.

Quick Facts About School Lunches and Food Safety

Approximately 6% of children are affected by food allergies.
Most allergic reactions in Canada are caused by peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seeds, soy, seafood, wheat, eggs, milk, sulphites and mustard.
Many schools have policies in place to stop students from bringing certain items in their lunches if they are aware of food allergies among the students. It’s very important for you to follow the school’s food allergen policy closely, even if your child does not have allergies.
If your child is allergic to a certain food, make sure the school knows about the allergy.
Remind your child that it is not safe to trade or share food.
If peanut is on the school policy as a restricted food, try thinking about alternative sandwich-making ingredients. For example, try hummus or apple butter instead of peanut butter.
Always read the labels on the food you pack in your child’s lunch. Don’t pack any food with ingredients that are restricted at the school your child attends.
Look for warning statements on the label such as “May Contain…”. Trace amounts can cause a severe allergic reaction for some people.

You can’t tell if food is unsafe by its smell or taste. When in doubt, throw it out!
Food can go unrefrigerated for long periods of time, but it is extremely important to keep cold food cold and hot food hot.
Avoid the Danger Zone. Food should never reach the temperature danger zone between 4 °C (40 °F) to 60 °C (140 °F) for more than 4 hours.
Soft, insulated lunch bags or boxes are the best choice for keeping lunches safe.
If food should be eaten hot, heat it before your child leaves for school and store it in a heat-preserving container or thermos.
Use an ice pack or frozen juice box to keep cold food cold.
Remember to wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly.
Always wash lunch bags with hot soapy water after each use.
Never reuse sandwich bags, foil and plastic wrap.
Handwashing is the number one defense against spreading germs and illness. Remind your children to wash their hands before they eat their lunch and snacks.

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