Erica Di Ruggiero, who chairs the Canadian Public Health Association, tells CHSJ News only 53 per cent of mothers get their children to wash their hands before eating lunch and that's the most effective way to keep germs at bay.
She warns if lunch boxes are not cleaned regularly, small spills and crumbs can lead to bacteria growth with the potential of causing children to get sick with food poisoning.
The Global Hygiene Council also advocates the use of freezer packs or cool bags to keep lunches chilled along with the wiping down of eating areas including desks and cafeteria tables.
