Food safety is critical for the whole family. But babies and young children are of specific concern. It is the responsibility of parents or other caregivers to ensure that infants and young children are eating safe foods to avoid food-borne illnesses because infants and young children are vulnerable both to food and water-borne illnesses since their immune system is not yet fully developed to fight against diseases. It is easier for harmful microorganisms to enter their digestive system because their stomach is producing less acid.

Food safety is very important. Make sure to follow proper food handling from buying to preparing, cooking, and storing food. Do not use the same spoon that you use to taste your baby’s food, you can pass on viruses and bacteria to your baby. It is best to use a clean spoon to feed your baby.  When storing and reheating food for children, foods that will be stored in your fridge must be consumed ideally within 2 days. Frozen foods should be properly thawed or defrosted before reheating for consumption. And do not reheat cooked food more than once.

Parents also must be aware of the risk and danger of choking in infants and young children. Choking can be dangerous to them because the food will get caught in their throat and block the airway, and this will prevent them from getting oxygen to their lungs and brains. The worst case is it death may occur. Some of the foods that can cause choking in your infant and young children include hotdogs, nuts and seeds, chunks of meat and cheese, whole grapes, popcorn, raw vegetables, fruit chunks, and chewing gums.

Here are some Food safety reminders when feeding your child to avoid foodborne illness:

• Always wash your hands before preparing food and after handling raw meats, chicken, fish, raw vegetables, and eggs
• Make sure that your child’s hands are also washed and cleaned.
• Keep your fingernails trimmed and clean when handling or preparing foods.
• Do not cough or sneeze near your child’s food
• Cook all food thoroughly before giving it to your child
• Food left at room temp for more than 2 hours should not be used
• Do not give your leftover food to babies
• Use clean and sanitized utensils when feeding your baby.

Foodborne illnesses often cause diarrhea and vomiting when it occurs, so it is particularly dangerous to infants and young children. Food safety is very crucial and depends on the food safety behavior of their parents and caregivers. Handwashing is very important. Parents or caregivers should always wash their hands before and after feeding their children. This is the very basic way to avoid foodborne illness getting into your children.  The best healthy feeding also involves safe food handling, cooking, and storage practices to help prevent food poisoning and foodborne illnesses. Always practice food safety and proper hygiene.

PDO I Ayesa Gay A. Bejerano, RND

References:

Infant Feeding Food Safety

https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/

Food Safety Tips for Young Children

https://www.eatright.org/homefoodsafety/safety-tips/food-poisoning/food-safety-tips-for-young-children

Children’s food safety and hygiene

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/childrens-food-safety-and-hygiene/