Why Food Safety Is Essential to Children’s Nutrition and Health

In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, it says that the body is a precious gift from God, and we are encouraged to take care of our bodies. Food that is not prepared properly can be dangerous to our health and may contain bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemicals that can lead to disease and even death. Young children are especially vulnerable to these illnesses. But most foodborne illnesses can be prevented by using good food preparation habits. Use the food safety practices below to lower the chances of food borne illnesses in your children.

Why is food safety essential to children’s nutrition and health?

Food that is not prepared properly can lead to food borne illnesses, which interferes with nutrient absorption in the body. Children are especially vulnerable to these food borne illnesses, which can be especially dangerous to their health and can lead to malnutrition. By safely preparing food, we can lower the chances of children becoming malnourished from food borne illnesses.

What are some basic safe food preparation practices?

According to the World Health Organization there are important actions to take to ensure our food doesn’t carry disease. These include:

1. Keep clean. Germs on hands and cooking utensils can get into food.
   
   • Wash hands before, during, and after preparing food.
   • Always wash hands after using the toilet.
   • Wash work surfaces and cooking equipment.
   • Keep animals and insects from touching food and work surfaces.
2. Separate raw and cooked ingredients. Raw meat, poultry, and seafood can contain dangerous microorganisms.
   
   • Keep raw meat, fish, and poultry separate from other foods.
   • Don’t use the same knife or cutting surface for raw meats and other foods.
3. Cook thoroughly. Heat kills dangerous microorganisms.
   
   • Cook foods thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood.
   • Let foods like soups and stews boil before eating.
4. Keep food at safe temperatures. Dangerous microorganisms multiply at room temperature.
   
   • Keep cooked food hot until it is eaten. (60° C/140° F)
   • Don’t keep cooked foods at room temperature for over two hours.
5. Use safe water and food. Spoiled foods and unclean water may contain dangerous microorganisms and chemicals.
   
   • In cooking, use water that is safe to drink.
   • Wash raw vegetables and unpeeled fruits with clean water before eating.

How do I help others to prepare food safely?

As a leader or ministering brother or sister, you have the opportunity to help members in your congregation practice food safety in group activities and in their own homes. Consider these and other ideas as you ponder and pray about how to help members in your area.

Ministering Brothers and Sisters

As a ministering brother or sister, you can help those you minister to by learning and using safe food preparation practices at home so you can better help others. Share what you have learned about food safety with others, without judgment and criticism. Food safety can be a sensitive topic and most often, people are doing the best they know how. Prayerfully consider how you can help the family.

Local Leaders

Before helping members in your area, take time to think about the different conditions in which your members live. Is there safe drinking water nearby? Is there running water in the home? Is there a refrigerator? Think of ways to apply the key points in different circumstances.

Once you have determined the needs of the members in your ward, you can help members learn about food safety practices through group activities or by sharing food preparation information with them.