Make the lunchbox safe

Kids go back to school in most states this week. What do we do about packing lunchboxes when it's going to be hot? Bacteria in food multiplies alarmingly when not kept at the right temperature. It's not just in meat, but even on vegetables.

Before your child eats lunch, get them to wash their hands with soap for 20 seconds.

When making their lunch, here are some tips for you:

1) Wash your hands thoroughly before handling food. Use clean utensils and cutting boards

2) Use separate cutting boards for fresh produce and raw meat or poultry to reduce the risk of Salmonella

3) Cook food to the right temperature using a food thermometer

4) Chill perishable foods such as meats, eggs, cheese or yoghurt with at least two cold sources, such as freezer packs, to keep harmful bacteria from multiplying rapidly. Frozen juice poppers can also be used as freezer packs and by lunchtime should be thawed and ready to drink.

More on food safety here.

Have a great first week back!