Food Safety and Growing Kids

What You Need To Know

In the middle school years, kids’ often show an increased interest in preparing and cooking their own food. This extension of control over their world is developmentally appropriate. But teens may not know proper food safety tips, so take your kids through the process from grocery store to dishwasher, adding to their independent living know-how.

How You Can Help

Each step of managing food contains important safety information that you gained over the years. Pass it on.

1. Grocery Store. Point out expiration dates on perishable foods and show your kids how to select ripe fruit. Suggest that they grab nonperishable items first, selecting the refrigerated products last. And make sure that they check the eggs for cracks.
2. Store Food. Supervise your kids unpacking the groceries, directing them to put away the refrigerated food first. Instruct them about using meat in the fridge within a few days and supplies in the freezer within 3 months. 
3. Prepping and Cooking. Kids need be constantly reminded to always wash their hands and surfaces after contact with raw meat, fish, and eggs. Instruct them about average cook times, common signs that food is done, and proper meat thermometer usage. And explain the importance of thoroughly rinsing fruits and vegetables.
4. Clean Up. They may resist this task more than any other, so find a way to force or entice their participation. Teach kids to store cooked food immediately, to wipe down all the counters, and use hot, soapy water to wash pots and pans.