Lunch boxes have become an essential part of students’ and office workers’ lives and daily travels. An easy and practical way to store food and transport it easily. Despite their many benefits, using them incorrectly or choosing unsafe types can pose health risks that you need to be aware of.
Lunch boxes are a great option for not only saving money but also controlling the quality and quantity of your meals and reducing your dependence on fast food. On the other hand, the use of unsafe materials or insufficient cleaning may lead to food contamination or the introduction of harmful substances, so care must be taken in how they are used and when they are selected.
As people race to prepare food boxes for their children, invisible dangers hide behind bright colors and attractive designs.
hormonal disorders
Dr. Fahad Abdulkarim Turkestani, Head of Environment at the International Islamic Scout and Youth Federation, points out in a study published in The Lancet that some chemicals in plastic materials (bisphenols), as well as some chemicals such as (phthalates), have been reported to be hidden killers of masculinity, pointing out that the presence of chemicals in plastic materials is associated with giving plastic products the ability to soften.
That risk is associated with hormonal disorders such as decreased fertility and weakened immunity, as well as other negative effects on children’s neurological development, which can increase the risk of obesity and other chronic diseases.
Turkistan pointed to common mistakes parents make, including putting hot food directly into plastic, using old or cracked containers, and relying on manufactured meals and ready-made desserts.
Turkestan points out that people need to be careful about the existence of the phrase “BPA-free.” Stainless steel, glass, or medical grade silicone are best. For plastic, you must select symbol 5 (PP), 2, or 4 inside the triangle at the bottom of the package. Avoid reusing cheap plastic bottled water. It is advisable to place parchment paper on the walls of hot food containers or food containers containing spices, citrus or tomatoes to prevent interaction with the walls of plastic containers.
appropriate temperature
Family medicine and lifestyle medicine consultant Dr. Areej Al Qahtani advises keeping food at the right temperature and always using an insulated lunch box to maintain food temperature. Ice bags can be used to keep food cold, ensuring food safety and ingredients are fresh and safe to consume, and avoiding foods that require refrigeration if not guaranteed.
One tip is to clean it properly. Food boxes should be cleaned after each use to ensure cleanliness and reduce bacteria.
Dr. Areej pointed out that providing healthy and nutritious meals through food funds contributes to children’s academic performance and helps them grow up healthy by being mindful of what they eat and building healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.
children’s health
Dr. Turkestani, head of environment for the World Islamic Scout Youth Federation, advises not to heat food in plastic, ensure high-quality and versatile cooking utensils, and provide children with fresh, varied meals that include vegetables and protein – providing healthy food. Simple and conscious steps when choosing tableware and storing food can protect children’s health and ensure a better future.
Raising awareness and the role of public institutions
Dr. Turkestan pointed out that parental awareness is the first line of defense for children’s health. Choosing safe tools and instilling healthy eating habits from an early age greatly reduces risk.
On the other hand, it is the responsibility of health and education authorities to intensify awareness campaigns, monitor non-conforming products and embed a culture of health in schools.
Positive opinion about the fund
Dr. Alij Al Qahtani, Consultant in Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, said, “Lunch boxes are one of the important elements that contribute to improving children’s health during school days. Lunch boxes are not just a means of transporting food, but are a great way to ensure proper and effective nutrition. It is an important tool. Preparing lunch boxes allows people to choose nutritious ingredients such as fruits and vegetables, protein sources and whole grains, and should promote healthy eating habits that raise children’s awareness of the importance of health.” Nutrition will equip you to make the right food decisions in the future, eat your favorite foods during the day and feel a sense of belonging when you see what is prepared in your own home. ”
Dr. Aresi advises choosing a variety of vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, cucumbers, and apples, cut into bite-sized pieces, as well as proteins such as grilled chicken breast, boiled eggs, chickpeas, and grains, such as whole-grain sandwiches and rice, along with healthy snacks. You can also include nuts and yogurt as snacks, but you should diversify your food each week to avoid boredom and increase your interest in food.
Please dry it every day
Dr. Shata Zuhair Al Zuhair, consultant in family medicine, said: “School breakfast boxes are one of the important daily tools in the lives of schoolchildren, but if they are incorrectly selected or used, they can pose health risks. “When you put things down or when you go to school, when the boxes are exposed to sunlight, they are affected by heat, which breaks down their components and releases harmful chemicals into the food. These materials can affect children’s health, especially their hormones, immunity and health.” We aim for long-term growth. ”
To store food for school students in a healthy and safe manner, Dr. Shata advises using food-specific stainless steel, glass, or plastic containers that are labeled as safe and free of harmful substances. It is also recommended to put hot food in designated thermal containers, avoid leaving food in lunch boxes for long periods of time, and make sure to wash and dry your lunch box daily.
Dr. Shata recommends that families and authorities choose safe and approved food containers, avoid putting hot food inside plastic, educate children to avoid exposing ‘lunch boxes’ to heat or sunlight, and replace them as soon as they show damage or color changes.
What is BPA?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical added to many products, including food containers. Factories began using this material in the 1950s to produce a variety of products made primarily of plastic.
BPA can enter the human body through food and drinks that come in plastic containers containing BPA. A recent study published by the World Health Organization found high concentrations of the substance in the bodies of infants who were fed formula with bottles containing BPA.
Studies have shown that children exposed to this substance are at increased risk of developing a number of diseases and health problems, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, as well as obesity, childhood diabetes, and other health and behavioral problems.
Issa Al Hajira, a parent of a student, said, “As a parent, before I buy a lunch box, I always check the manufacturing materials and whether it says “BPA-free.” I always make sure that my bento contains healthy foods, avoid fried foods, chips, and soft drinks, and ensure that my bento is safe for my health, regardless of the manufacturing materials or food content. ”
Nutritionist Dr. Dalal Talha Halaba says, “While lunch boxes themselves are not a direct cause of illness, using boxes made from non-food grade materials or not paying attention to their cleanliness can lead to food contamination. As a result, you are more likely to experience several health problems, the most common of which are gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.The problem therefore lies not in the box itself, but in the way it is used.
As a nutritionist, I see that the main factor affecting the quality and safety of meals is the use of containers made of materials not intended for food preservation, especially certain types of low-quality plastics that can be exposed to heat or interact with food if stored for long periods of time. Because this reaction can affect food safety and nutritional quality, we recommend using safe containers made of suitable materials, such as stainless steel or food-grade plastic that is free of BPA, a chemical used in the manufacture of some types of plastic. BPA migrates into foods in small amounts when exposed to heat or during long-term storage.
No chips or sugar
Educator Asma Al Alfi addressed this issue from an educational perspective, saying: “School lunch containers are not just seen as food containers; they are an integrated educational tool that promotes positive behavior, health safety and responsibility.” When a child in the early stages has his own food container and chooses what he needs each morning, he learns to rely on himself and organize, and with the participation of his family, he remembers the necessary balanced nutritional elements, and his sense of responsibility for his daily needs and what is suitable for him is strengthened.
Families have a big role to play in choosing containers that maintain food safety and quality, so containers should be made of safe materials and include sections to avoid food mixing. Families should wash daily with hot water and soap, dry well to prevent bacteria, and be careful not to prepare unhealthy foods such as artificial juices, sweets, chocolate, potato chips, fried foods, and sugary foods. We must not forget the educational role of schools in promoting the culture of healthy food among students by motivating them to eat healthy foods. Organize awareness programs for parents to emphasize the importance of healthy eating and the importance of continuing to choose high-quality food containers.
safe sealed container
Nutritionist Dr Dalal says: The concept of maintaining a healthy diet for school students begins with choosing safe, tightly sealed food containers made of special materials that can withstand different temperatures. You should also focus on cleaning the container daily and drying it well. It is advisable to prepare simple, nutritious meals such as healthy sandwiches, fruits and vegetables that can withstand storage, while avoiding foods such as eggs and tuna that spoil quickly, especially at high temperatures.
In order to keep school meals safe, it is essential to pay attention to how they are prepared and stored, and the incidence of food poisoning is high, but there are specific causes, such as contamination of food due to poor storage conditions, use of inappropriate containers, and possible interactions between food and manufacturing materials, especially when food is left in a heated “lunch box” for an extended period of time. However, such cases can be easily avoided by observing cleanliness, choosing designated containers, ensuring that food is consumed within a safe time, and also being careful about the type of food served.
“As a mother, I believe that school breakfast is not just a meal to put in a child’s bag, but a message of love and care from the mother, and a psychological and physical preparation for the child to start the day fully active and focused. The right choice of food and the way it is served and stored helps to promote the health of children and reinforce the concept of the importance of a healthy body and a good diet as the basis of a healthy life.”
