Parents told to pack item in school lunchboxes for children's safety this week

Parents told to pack item in school lunchboxes for children's safety this week Parents are advised to include it in their children's school lunchboxes to prevent food poisoning Parents are being urged to pack one essential item in their children's school lunchboxes this week, as the UK continues to bake in scorching temperatures. The Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning as parts of England and Wales brace themselves for temperatures of up to 40C on Wednesday and Thursday (June 24-25). The severe weather is causing widespread travel disruption across the UK, with numerous schools announcing closures over the coming days as mercury levels are forecast to hit record-breaking highs. A "heat-dome" settling over western Europe could drive temperatures to 40C by Wednesday, with this latest heatwave set to smash the June record established in Hampshire back in 1976. The Met Office red weather warning for extreme heat covers an area stretching from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham, coming into effect from 9am on Wednesday through to 9pm on Thursday. Temperatures could edge close to the UK's all-time record high of 40.3C, which was recorded in July 2022. Conditions are expected to gradually ease as the weekend approaches. The sweltering weather is set to cause considerable disruption for parents, as a number of schools confirm they will either shut their doors entirely or close earlier than usual to safeguard pupils from the intense heat. Children have also been given the green light to wear their PE kit rather than their standard school uniform, reports Wales Online. Some after-school clubs have also been cancelled. Many schools in Horsham, West Sussex, are shutting early on Wednesday and Thursday, with some setting work for pupils to complete at home. For parents whose children's school remains open, keeping lunchboxes as fresh as possible is essential. In warm weather, perishable foods such as deli meats, dairy products and mayo-based items can spoil within just two hours, significantly raising the risk of food poisoning. Placing an ice pack in your child's lunchbox during hot weather is crucial to preventing bacteria from multiplying. According to the Food Standards Agency, bacteria responsible for food poisoning can spread far more rapidly at higher temperatures. "During the warmest times of the year, food can quickly get into the temperature range that encourages bacteria to grow", a statement online reads. "This can mean foods are riskier to eat if not prepared or stored correctly." To ensure food stays cool and safe for children to eat at lunchtime, parents are urged to use an ice pack. Further guidance on the government agency's website adds: "Use frozen ice packs and cool bags or boxes to keep food cool for longer". Without adequate cooling, bacteria can multiply at a worrying rate. Research from food safety organisations suggests that harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or Listeria found in cut fruits and salads can increase dramatically within just a few hours if left in a warm bag. Numerous schools simply don't have adequate refrigeration facilities to keep packed lunches chilled. As a result, lunch bags are frequently left in warm classrooms or even placed in direct sunlight. The Food Standards Agency says: "Some people are at increased risk of food poisoning. These can include young children, pregnant women, older people and people with an underlying health condition. It is important to note that some foods, for example, soft mould ripened cheeses, deli meat, and smoked fish, have a higher risk of listeria." Take extra care to ensure food safety: - if you are uncertain how long something has been out of the fridge, take a precautionary approach and don't serve/eat it - check your fridge temperature is 5°C or below, use a separate fridge thermometer to check if possible - be extra careful to check use-by dates on food - don’t eat anything after this date - for food that should be cooked, check it is cooked thoroughly before serving - make sure that leftovers are cooled and stored properly - wash fruits and veg thoroughly before eating