BAC! is bacteria - the kind that can grow on food and make you very sick. You don’t want your kids to take BAC! to camp with them, so be careful when fixing their lunch. BAC! loves warm weather so always pack lunch and snacks safely in a cooler.

Always remember to clean, separate, cook and chill! Follow these tips for packing a safe lunch:

Clean

• Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before preparing or eating food.
• Wash utensils and countertops with hot water and soap after preparing each food item.
• Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water, including those with skins and rinds that are not eaten.
• Use clean packaging and bags.

Separate

• Use one cutting board for fresh produce and a different one for meat and poultry to avoid cross-contamination.
• At lunchtime, make sure your child discards all used food packaging and paper bags. Do not reuse packaging because it could contaminate other food and cause foodborne illness.

Cook

• Cook frozen convenience meals according to package instructions, including standing time if using a microwave.
• Use an insulated container to keep hot food hot - 140° F or above.

Chill

• Keep perishable food refrigerated until time to leave home.
• Include a cold source in your insulated lunch box. Use a frozen gel pack or frozen juice box.
• Use an insulated soft-sided bag if possible. It’s best for keeping food cold.
• Make sure your child tosses out any leftover perishable food like meat sandwiches, salad or fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.

The non-profit Partnership for Food Safety Education saves lives and improves public health through research-based, actionable consumer food safety initiatives that reduce foodborne illness. Sign up to be a BAC Fighter at www.fightbac.org!