Food Flasks and Hygiene?

McIntire · 2023-10-16T06:17:12+00:00

I like using my food flask for work but do have concerns about keeping the food warm for that long. I’m sure there’s a law in schools, restaurants and supermarkets etc about 2hrs. How does this work with a food flask? It’s getting cold and I want a warm lunch! TIA

DustyLee123 · 16/10/2023 07:21

The food you put in it is cold when you eat it ? Are you heating the flask with boiling water before you use it, and heating the food up too ?

Original poster

McIntire · 16/10/2023 07:38

DustyLee123 · 16/10/2023 07:21

The food you put in it is cold when you eat it ? Are you heating the flask with boiling water before you use it, and heating the food up too ?

I heat the flask up and the food is warm when I eat it. That’s not a problem

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CyberCritical · 16/10/2023 07:40

The entire purpose of a food flask is that it is insulated to keep your food hot for several hours. As long as you follow the instructions to preheat the flask with boiling water and make sure the food is piping hot when you put it in, it will stay hot and safe for up to 8 hours.

DD usually has school dinners but every now and then will decide she wants packed lunch and we've done all kinds of things including Mac n cheese, lasagna, soup, fish fingers in the flask and bread and butter so she can make a sandwich.

The only thing I'd say is that stuff like pasta will keep cooking so put it in the flask a little under done to make sure it's not over cooked mush by lunch time.

AlwaysFreezing · 16/10/2023 08:02

The law is hot food should be kept hot. If it can't be kept hot, you have 2 hours below 63 degrees before it has spent too long in the 'danger zone' and needs to be disposed of. So, put it in hot! (not that the law applies to your own food!)

Original poster

McIntire · 16/10/2023 08:11

AlwaysFreezing · 16/10/2023 08:02

The law is hot food should be kept hot. If it can't be kept hot, you have 2 hours below 63 degrees before it has spent too long in the 'danger zone' and needs to be disposed of. So, put it in hot! (not that the law applies to your own food!)

Thank you @AlwaysFreezing

That answers my question.
I’ve used it for the past couple of winters but then someone queried it and it got me thinking.
I suppose the law is there in commercial businesses for a reason

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anunlikelyseahorse · 16/10/2023 08:32

If it's only warm, sounds like you need a better flask? I've tried several food flasks and the only one that keeps food piping hot is a Stanley. It's very expensive but this is my third year of use and it's as good as new. I think many flasks don't have properly insulated lids. As that's where I can feel the heat escaping. On my Stanley there is no heat loss through any part of the flask, it remains cool to touch uniformly everywhere.

andymary · 16/10/2023 09:53

If it's for personal use then hygiene laws shouldn't be an issue, as it's just for yourself.

As long as youre washing the flask out properly after each use, and then pre-heating it with boiling water beforehand, which will also help sterilise the inside, then your food will be fine. The more you fill the flask up the better too, as it means there's less air left inside when you close it, which means less room for bacteria (although keep a little gap at the top for steam).
I wouldn't hesitate eating my food that's been in there for 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, probably even 8 hours, as I know I've prepared and stored it efficiently to prevent the spread of bacteria to a level that would have adverse effects.

Original poster

McIntire · 16/10/2023 16:48

anunlikelyseahorse · 16/10/2023 08:32

If it's only warm, sounds like you need a better flask? I've tried several food flasks and the only one that keeps food piping hot is a Stanley. It's very expensive but this is my third year of use and it's as good as new. I think many flasks don't have properly insulated lids. As that's where I can feel the heat escaping. On my Stanley there is no heat loss through any part of the flask, it remains cool to touch uniformly everywhere.

I have a chilly’s food flask and I fill it to capacity with hot food having let the flask sit with boiling water in for 5 mins. It’s liquid based - today was leftover curry.

It is still hot enough and I’ve never been ill.
I’m also vegan so the chance of food poisoning is minimal I think.

thanks all!

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Original poster

McIntire · 16/10/2023 16:57

Just to add. The flask is stored outside and I naturally use it more in cold weather so this probably doesn’t help

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saraclara · 16/10/2023 17:27

The food that the rules apply to is probably left out on display. Yours is sealed while still piping hot, and has virtually no contact with anything that can cause bacteria. Even the small amount of remaining air in the flak will be close to sterile, due to the heat when it was sealed.

ThereIsATInWater · 16/10/2023 18:30

As an extra layer of insulation, you could put it in a cool bag.
It'd help keep it a bit warmer.

hexsnidgett · 16/10/2023 18:56

Yes,I used to keep my food flask in a cool bag as well, especially in a really warehouse where I used to work.

Original poster

McIntire · 16/10/2023 19:29

ThereIsATInWater · 16/10/2023 18:30

As an extra layer of insulation, you could put it in a cool bag.
It'd help keep it a bit warmer.

That’s an idea. I will try and find a slim one as I try to minimise bulk as have to carry it with me all day

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CyberCritical · 16/10/2023 20:09

Depending on how big your food flask is, look for a baby bottle thermal bag. Like this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/DZOZO-Insulated-Breastmilk-Portable-Waterproof/dp/B0BK3H24TH/ref=sr 1110?c=ts&keywords=Thermal+Bags+for+Bottles&qid=1697483293&s=baby&sr=1-10&tsid=60202031

Bonus being that they usually have clips/Velcro on the strap so you can hook it to the outside of your handbag if needed,