5 food safety tips to teach to your children

Always wash your hands.

Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to stop the spread of germs.

Talk to your children about all the items we touch with our hands such as toys, pets, computers and toilet seats.

Show them how to wash their hands properly and thoroughly with an antibacterial soap.

If you have a magnifying glass, you can even let them examine their hands with it, to view the dirt in the lines of their palms.

Check for freshness.

Remind children to check food for suspicious signs such as a bad smell, discolouration and unusual taste before eating it.

This is especially important if they regularly buy or consume their food from outlets outside the home, such as food courts and canteens.

If the food has come from the refrigerator, kids should seek the help of a parent or another adult to assess if the food is still safe for consumption.

If you're in doubt about the safety of the food, throw it away. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Shop for food properly.

Show your kids the "use by" and expiration dates on food packaging the next time you are at the supermarket with your family.

Tell them food packets and wrappers should not be torn or broken, nor should canned foods display visible dents and bulges.

You can also point out signs of rotting on fresh fruit and vegetables, such as mould, spotting on skin or wilting leaves.

Store food safely.

When it comes to food, out of sight does not necessarily mean out of mind.

Practice the safe storing of food at home and your kids will learn by your example.

Pre-packaged foods should be kept in a cool, dry place and used as soon as possible.

Freeze meat immediately and separate it from other items in the freezer to prevent the meat 'juices' from dripping onto other foods.

Show children that all fruits and vegetables should be rinsed under running water before eating or cooking them.

Prepare food properly.

Kids can play an active part in the kitchen and still stay safe.

Sit them on a low stool or chair at a small table to do simple tasks such as stirring and mixing. Provide each child with separate utensils.

Remember to keep pets (if you have them) off counters and table tops.

Wash hands before and after handling raw meat and seafood.

Bear in mind that when it comes to food, you cannot be there to protect your children all the time but you can teach them to safeguard their own health — and sharing these safety tips with them is one way to do so!

Written by

Sandra Ong

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