FOOD SAFETY FOR BABIES
As adults, most of us are aware that “double dipping” can spread bacteria when bacteria from saliva on a piece of partially eaten food is dipped a second time. But did you know feeding baby food straight from the jar is another form of “double dipping”? Bacteria from the baby’s mouth can be transferred to the spoon and into the baby food where the bacteria can grow. This could result in food poisoning. Infants and young children are at a high risk for a foodborne illness because their immune system is not developed enough to fight off infections.
Instead, spoon baby food from the jar into a separate feeding dish and feed from the new dish. Throw away all uneaten food from the dish. You can refrigerate open jars of baby food that have not come in contact with your baby’s saliva. The following are guidelines for saving opened baby food:
- Strained fruits and vegetables: 2 to 3 days
- Strained meats and eggs: 1 day
- Meat/vegetable combinations: 1 to 2 days
Source: Food Storage Guide–NDSU Agriculture–publication FN-579