As the kids head back to school, make sure you follow food-safety guidelines while packing their lunches.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests how to keep school lunches safe and healthy:

  • Wash your child's lunch box each day with warm, soapy water.
  • Even when in a rush, don't take shortcuts. Wash your hands before preparing your child's lunch, and make sure food-preparation areas are clean.
  • Pack perishable foods in an insulated container with an ice pack. Store perishables packed the night before in the refrigerator.
  • Pack shelf-stable lunchtime goodies such as trail mix, cut veggies, cereal, granola, fruit and whole grain crackers.
  • Wash all fruits and veggies, even those that need to be peeled.
  • Remind kids to wash hands before eating. Make sure they throw away or refrigerate any perishables left over from lunch.
A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Newsday Staff

'I'm going to try to avoid it' A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Newsday Staff

'I'm going to try to avoid it' A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

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