Thermos(R) reminds parents that school lunches are not child's play

TORONTO, Aug. 19 /CNW/ - With food and product recalls becoming more frequent, parents now have a lot more to consider before sending children back to the classroom, including product and food safety.

School lunches can sit in stuffy classrooms for up to three hours before they are eaten. Harmful bacteria can grow in temperatures anywhere between 4 C and 40 C and should not sit in this temperature zone for more than two hours.

"Many popular school lunch foods, including cold cuts and dairy products, are susceptible to bacteria growth," says Barbara Bluteau-Zetchus, director of marketing at Canadian Thermos Products Inc. "Items that need to stay cold like cheese, cold cut meats and yogurt can be kept at the proper temperature by using an insulated container. Thermos brand vacuum insulated food containers can keep cold meals safe from bacteria for up to seven hours and hot foods hot for up to five."

Many school items - anything from art supplies to food and beverage containers - can contain harmful chemicals like lead and bisphenol A (BPA). Both can pose health risks. BPA is on the Canadian government's list of toxic substances and its use is also banned in the production of baby bottles. To keep children safe, parents should ensure that all products children use are free of any unsafe chemicals - especially items used to pack their meals in. Health Canada has identified four product categories that children are likely to come in contact with and ingest significant quantities of lead including: items that are intended/likely to be placed in or near the mouth, children's equipment, food preparation and storing products and items intended/likely to be melted or burned in enclosed spaces.

"Thermos brand products are made from high-quality, PVC free materials and comply with the Canadian government's BPA-free regulation," says Bluteau-Zetchus. "Whether parents are concerned about keeping food safe from spoilage or kids safe from harmful substances, they can trust Thermos brand products."

Thermos provides products that have become a part of our healthy, active routines. The Thermos back to school line includes a variety of lunch kits and insulated FUNtainer(TM) products which are perfect for packing healthy and safe lunches. Through on-going product development and innovation, Thermos continues to create opportunities for Canadian consumers to eat healthy, stay active and be good to the planet.

Today, Thermos products are available across Canada in mass retail, hardware, drug stores, supermarkets and other specialty retail locations. A heritage brand with a reputation of quality, Thermos has become the brand that Canadians trust with the convenience needed for today's active and demanding lifestyles. For more information, please visit www.thermosbrand.ca.

For further information: Maricel Dicion, Cohn & Wolfe, 647-259-3327, [email protected]