:: Safe Food Containers ::

Safe Food Containers

Upon returning home, all food items bought will be neatly kept away in containers. Nowadays there are so many different types of containers to choose from, be it those made plastic, glass, metal or other types of containers. We put food in other containers in our home, so as to prevent any contamination by way of insects as well as to protect food from water and air which will cause food to spoil faster.

Placing food in proper containers also retains the food’s original shape and form, hence making it more appealing, especially to young children. Indirectly food which looks better, should also taste better and retain all the nutritional goodness more effectively in the long run.

A container of high quality should be air tight and durable. When buying a container to store food, there are some points to consider:-

1. Ensure that containers are in good condition and not cracked or chipped.
2. Containers should be made from safe and easily maintained material.
3. Ensure that containers are clean.

Storing food properly is very important, as food which is not stored properly may spoil faster, causing the person consuming it to fall ill. Food poisoning is a real threat, as sufferers may experience symptoms such as vomiting, dizzy spells and stomach discomfort, and also render the sufferer very weak. This is even more dangerous with people who’s immune systems are already weak, such as the elderly, expectant mothers and children. The following are a few tips on how to ensure that food items are stored properly :-

1. Dried foods, such as powdered milk, sugar and rice need to be kept in an air tight container to avoid contamination from insects and rats.
2. Any containers containing food should be kept away from walls and pipes which might leak and pose a contamination threat.
3. Storage cabinets which contain food should be clean, dry and airy.
4. Cleaning materials such as detergents should be kept separately from food stuff.

To ensure that your child eats clean and healthy food, you could try and pack them a meal or snack to go to school. Also a cute food box/ container would be able to entice a child to try and eat the healthy pre-packed food from home.

Storing food in the appropriate containers, minimizes food wastage as food when stored properly, stays fresher for longer. Hence you can rest easy knowing that your family is consuming clean, fresh food all the time.

Reference

Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
(Food Poisinging) Keracunan Makanan, Noryati Ismail (2000).

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