Store raw poultry and meat in re-sealable bags or containers placed in the coldest section of the refrigerator. Use different knives and chopping boards for animal and plant-based foods. If you have to, do so after wearing gloves.
Avoid handling food if you have open sores or cuts on your hands and fingers. Store them at appropriate temperatures away from raw foods, such as meat and fish. Wash fresh produce, such as fruits and vegetables, under clean running water as soon as you bring them from the market. Disinfect surfaces, such as refrigerator and kitchen cabinet handles that you often touch, using a disinfectant. Clean the kitchen counter, chopping board, knives, and utensils with hot water and soap. Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling and cooking the food. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following steps to “Clean, Separate, Cook, And Chill” the food to prevent food poisoning ( 12) ( 13). Once your baby begins eating solids, you need to observe precautions while handling raw food items and preparing them. Bacteria could contaminate half-consumed formula or milk. Discard leftover formula once the baby is done feeding.Discard the formula that has been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours. Feed formula within 24 hours of preparation.Store expressed breast milk, donor milk, and prepared formula in the refrigerator at or below 40☏ (4☌) until ready for use to cease bacterial activity.After preparing the formula, tightly cover the container and store it in a cool, dry place. It is crucial to prevent moisture from entering the formula container, which can initiate bacterial growth and cause spoilage. Use a clean, dry spoon to scoop out powder.Prepare formula as directed on its package or as instructed by your pediatrician. Use clean and safe water to prepare baby formula or any other baby foods.Do the same for cleaning the breast pumps if you feed expressed breast milk to your baby/toddler. Clean and sterilize the baby’s bottle, teats/nipples, and utensils that you use to prepare formula milk.
Here are some additional precautions to observe ( 10) ( 11). Hygienic preparation of infant formula using clean utensils is the gold standard to ensure the baby’s safety. Protecting babies and toddlers from microbial infection requires utmost care and vigilance while handling, preparing, and storing baby food. Tips To Prevent Food Poisoning In Babies And Toddlers Rare but life-threatening complications, such as intussusception or HUS (hemolytic uremic syndrome) can be avoided by avoiding over-the-counter medications and consulting the doctor soon. Do remember never to give over-the-counter medications to treat diarrhea, vomiting, and fever in babies and toddlers.