I t is good you are concerned about safely making food for your child. Food safety is important for all ages. It helps to prevent foodborne illnesses. There are some things you can keep in mind for 1-year-olds.

7 Tips to Handle and Cook Food Safely:

#1 Wash your hands well with hot, soapy water before you begin making foods for your family.

#2 Wash vegetables and fruits under clean running water and kept separate from raw meats.

#3 Refrigerate or freeze meats until they are ready to be cooked. Be sure to cook meat to a safe temperature.

#4 Store eggs in the main part of the refrigerator and not on the door. The door tends to be warmer than the rest of the refrigerator. Cook eggs all the way through. Raw or undercooked eggs can be a risk of salmonella.

#5 Store leftovers in sealed containers in the refrigerator or freezer right away. Do not leave any cooked or perishable food out for more than 2 hours. Learn more about storing food in the refrigerator and freezer. 

#6 Spoon a small amount of a food (like yogurt or applesauce) into a separate bowl for your child. Avoid letting them eat straight from a container that is going to be stored and used again later. Bacteria from children’s mouths can grow inside the food over time, and make the food unsafe. 

#7 Avoid unpasteurized foods, including juices, cider, and raw milk. Look for the word “pasteurized” on the label.

Clean and Sanitize Surfaces: Clean the space where your child will eat. The highchair and table should be cleaned well after each use with hot, soapy water.

Recommendation

Take the lesson A Guide to Food Safety to learn more about keeping your family safe from foodborne illnesses.