The love language of packing a school lunch is strangely at odds with the most basic of food safety rules. Namely, the U.S. Department of Agriculture would prefer us not to leave anything perishable outside a fridge for more than two hours.
Don't introduce unwelcome bacteria in the first place, said Britanny Saunier, executive director of the Partnership for Food Safety Education: Wash your hands, the lunchbox and other containers with soap, and rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water.
Don't repack food or unwashed packaging from the day before, tempting as it may be when the better part of a meal comes home untouched.
Fortunately, we're in a golden age of meal inspiration and gear, and there are simple, inexpensive ways to keep bento boxes and bagged sandwiches safe through lunchtime.
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