If your children will be packing a school lunch this year, there are some important tips that you should know to help keep their lunch safe.

Pack Nonperishable Foods

The USDA now recommends that half of a meal be fruits and vegetables, which is convenient because most produce does not spoil at room temperature.

Keep Cold Foods Cold

If you pack perishable foods such as luncheon meats or prepackaged cheese and crackers, include a frozen gel pack or frozen juice carton with the food in an insulated lunch bag.

Perform a Lunchbox Safety Test

If you plan to send a hot or cold lunch to school with your child, perform a lunchbox safety test to make sure your child's lunch stays safe.

Read the full Packing a Safer School Lunch fact sheet.

Forward to a friend

For more tips on living safer, visit the NSF consumer website at www.nsf.org/consumer