How long do insulated lunch bags keep food cold? do I need an ice pack in my kids lunch box kit?
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The end of summer is a time of beginnings.There is a new school year, new episodes of your favorite show and the start of football season.
Students, sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts all have packed lunches.Some people still pack their food in a brown paper bag instead of an insulated lunch box.If food is kept in a brown paper bag for more than 2 hours, it is not safe to eat it.Food can be kept at a safe temperature in insulated lunch boxes.
Why don't you keep the food cold?There can be foodborne illness at temperatures up to 140F.You will need a plan to keep your food cold if you are tailgating or leaving in the morning.If you want to keep your lunch safe, you should use ice or gel packs in your insulated bag or box.
Cold cut sandwiches and yogurt can be left out at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before they become unsafe to eat.With an insulated lunch box and a chilled freezer gel pack, food can stay cold and safe to eat until lunch.Re-usable cold sources can be found at the store next to the lunch boxes, or you can make your own by filling a water bottle or plastic container with water and freezing it.Depending on the amount of food you are packing, you may need several cold sources.The lunch box or tote should be easy to clean.
Are you packing a hot lunch?You can keep your food hot by using an insulated container.While you heat your food, fill the container with boiling water and let it stand.Pack your food and seal it tight after you heat it to 165F, then empty the water out of the insulated container.The food should stay hot if the container is closed until lunchtime.If you are heating a cold entree in your office kitchen, be sure to heat it until it is 165F.
If you don't have a place to eat if there are no facilities nearby, you should add hand wipes to your lunch bag.When you return home and empty your bag or box, wipe the insides with hot soapy water and let it air dry so that it's ready for your next adventure.