Keeping packed lunches safe to eat

[randommangoandpear]

I’m pregnant and have become really funny about food storage and temps etc. When DS had to take one to nursery it’s always hummus sandwiches and fruit, never pasta or meats.

I won’t do many things like leave cooked pasta out at room temp, make chicken sandwiches for a packed lunch etc

I’ve just bought some ice blocks, mainly for my 3 year old, and I’m hoping this will be a game changer.

Thing is, on non nursery days we normally leave the house around 9ish so meats and perishable foods would be in a cool bag with an ice clock for a potential 4 hours. The thought of this gives me the fear.

Will this be ok, especially in this heat?

I've never had food poisoning, nor have my children and I have never used an ice block or frozen drink to keep a packed lunch cool.
I've also regularly eaten meat dishes left out at room temperature for a day or so.
It's a non-issue, but if you are concerned then the Frube/frozen drink seems a sensible compromise.

I suggest you go round to the numerous parties happening up and down the country and fling out the chicken goujons and drumsticks that have been sat on a party table for 2h01

Most people also would have no issue leaving a chicken casserole or something out for 2 hours after dinner once a meal has been scoffed, wine drunk and telly watched to decant into Tupperware once it has cooled thoroughly and properly

and My Sunday chicken carcass is probably out for four hours or so when you add up resting + carving + meal + dessert + stripping the meat off with picky bits

most people exercise common sense.

would I eat a chicken drumstick that has been sat in a hot car boot for 6 hours- no?

my cool kitchen? Yes absolutely

no wonder so much food is wasted

(have NEVER had food poisoning from a meal at home)

This.