For just about every parent their number one concern is safety when it comes to their children. This is especially true for food safety. Being sure that food is not only healthy but also prepared safely is a big concern for most parents. Below are just a few simple ways to ensure better food preparation to keep kids safer.
Plant-Based Detergent
One big way to help keep food safer for kids is to use plant-based detergent. Plant-based detergents are free of dyes and chemicals that can often be harmful. There are tons of companies nowadays that offer plant-based detergents.
Better Equipment
Another great way to keep food safer for kids is to use non toxic cookware. Most cookware contains lead or other harmful chemicals. Non-toxic varieties are free of dangerous chemicals and still offer non-stick options.
Take Advantage Of Freezing
Not enough people take advantage of freezing food. Many foods can last a lot longer by just freezing them. This helps to keep kids safer by keeping food fresher and even more flavorful. Food such as bread can last a very long time in the freezer. Fruits are another great option for freezing as it can prolong the life of the item. Frozen fruits are great to throw in smoothies or even mashup for ice cream or sorbets. When freezing food just be sure to wrap it in plastic wrap or plastic freezer bags to help keep it fresh and free of freezer burn.
Prepare Fresh Ingredients
Another way to keep kids safer while eating is to prepare fresh ingredients using wholesome foods. Not only does this help to keep them fuller longer but it also helps to fill their bodies with a variety of nutrients and vitamins. Some great whole foods are beans, strawberries, green beans and all fruit and vegetables as well as whole grains.
Thoroughly Wash Produce
One thing that many individuals skip is thoroughly washing their produce. Sometimes simply rinsing is not enough. For produce such as potatoes it is often best to use a scrubber to get off all dirt and possible debris.
Be Aware Of Allergies
Nowadays it seems allergies are more and more common. Peanut allergies as well as fish allergies and even gluten allergies are very rampant especially in young children. Being aware of these ingredients when cooking is very important. It is important to have it checked out if a child ever show symptoms of being allergic to a food.
Store Food Correctly
One way to avoid getting sick from food is to store it properly. Be sure to keep raw meats and fish as well as poultry away from other foods. It is typically the best option to store these items at the bottom of the refrigerator in a drawer or even in a plastic bag to help avoid the juices from leaking and causing a problem.
Always Wash Hands First
There is a reason why you are always told to wash your hands before eating. Your hands are filled with germs that can contaminate food. Being sure to wash hands before touching any food and even after handling food is a great way to keep food safer. Visit https://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/2016/04/handwashing.html for more information on hand washing before cooking and eating.
Overall there are a variety of different things you can do to help keep food safer for your kids. Some other tips include immediately refrigerating any leftovers to keep them fresher and even reheating food correctly making sure it is fully heated all the way through.