KEEP YOUR INFANT'S FOOD SAFE
KEEP YOUR INFANT'S FOOD SAFE
Bacteria and other germs can make foods unsafe. You cannot see or smell germs. If they contaminate food, this can cause a foodborne illness.
Your infant has a greater risk for a foodborne illness than you do. This is because your infant is smaller, with an immune system that is still developing.
You can help prevent your infant from getting a foodborne illness by handling foods safely.
You can keep your infant's food safe by following certain rules when buying, storing and preparing foods.
Harmful germs that can make your infant sick can get into foods through cracks and openings in food packages. So, only buy baby foods in undamaged packages. Do not buy cans that have dents or bulges, packages that are torn or damaged, or glass jars that are cracked or have loose lids.
Baby food jars have a safety button on the lid. Check each jar to be sure the button is down. Do not buy or use jars if the safety button is popped up.
While you shop, keep raw meat packages away from other foods. Raw meats and other their juices contain germs that can make your baby sick. Put raw meats in plastic bags at the store so that juices do not touch vegetables and fruits. Check that the person who bags your food at the checkout counter keeps the meats away from vegetables and fruits.
Infant formula and infant foods have dates printed on the cans
or jars. These expiration dates tell how long the foods are still
safe. It is important to check the dates on the jars at the store,
and at home, to make sure they are still safe. Do not use any
food or formula after the expiration date has passed.
Solid food should be given to babies after they are 4 to 6 months
old. Before this age, breast milk or formula is the only food
your infant needs.
Do not serve infant food directly from a jar. Put a small amount
in a dish and feed from the dish. The food left in the jar should
be labeled with the date it was opened, stored in the refrigerator
and used within 2 days.
Do not feed your infant raw or undercooked meats. Cook table
foods until they are steaming hot (165° F)...this will
kill germs. Be sure to cool the food before feeding it to your
child.
You can grind table foods to make them soft for your infant to
chew. However, do not chew your infant's food to soften
it. Your mouth could have germs that might make your infant sick.
Infant formula should be labeled and kept covered in the refrigerator
after it is mixed. Unused opened formula should be thrown out
after 2 days. Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for
5 days or frozen for 2-3 months.
Leftover infant food should be labeled with the date it was opened
or prepared, then stored in the refrigerator. If it is still unused
after 2 days, THROW IT OUT!
Partially eaten foods always should be thrown away. Do not return
them to the refrigerator...they contain germs.
Other foods like meats, poultry and seafood need to be cooked
thoroughly before feeding them to your infant. Meats and poultry
should not be pink inside. Fish should be flaky.
It is difficult to tell if your infant's food is unsafe because it may look and smell the same as other foods. So, be safe when shopping and preparing foods.
If you think food might be unsafe, do not taste it. THROW IT AWAY. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Provided by:
National Food Safety Database
RELATED LINKS:How to Safely Store Your Infant's Food
Be Clean...Be Safe
Make sure that you and your kitchen are clean before you prepare
any baby food. Always wash your hands with soap and warm water. Also, use hot water and soap to wash any utensils used to prepare food.
Preparing Infant Formula
Preparing Baby Foods
Handling Leftovers
Hazardous Foods
Some foods are more likely to cause your infant to get sick if
improperly handled. Raw honey should never be fed to your infant.
Keep Your Infant's Food Safe
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