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A Safely Packed Lunch or Picnic

Source: New Mexico Department of Health
Topics: Keeping Your Kids Healthy, Safety, Food Safety
  • Keep It On Ice:

Store lunch in an insulated container with a prefrozen packet of “blue ice” or frozen juice box.

  • Pack It Up!
Pack foods in reverse order. The first foods packed should be the last foods used. However,

you should pack raw meat or poultry below ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.

  • Be Cool!

In the summer, a piece of cold fruit in your lunch box will help keeps your lunch from
overheating. Every little bit of coolness helps.

  • Made In the Shade!

Keep lunches out of the hot sun. If a cooler is not available, find some shade.

  • Some Like It Hot!

Preheat thermos bottles with hot water before filling with soups or beverages.

  • Keep It Clean!

Bring disposable wipes to wash hands and dishes. Double wrap raw meat or poultry with
plastic bags to prevent juices from dripping on other foods.

  • Limited Warranty!

Opened packages of lunchmeat should be thrown away after five days.

  • Science Projects!

Never use moldy cheese.

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