Food Safety for Au Pairs: Simple, Everyday Habits that Keep Kids Healthy

Keeping children safe in the kitchen isn’t about fancy equipment or complicated rules; it’s about consistent habits. As an au pair, you handle snacks, school lunches, and plenty of family meals. A few smart steps can prevent foodborne illness, avoid allergic reactions, and reduce choking risks. Use this guide as your go-to checklist for everyday food safety.

1. Handwashing that actually sticks

Clean hands are your first line of defense. Wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds (sing “Happy Birthday” twice).

Wash before: cooking, serving, feeding a child, and eating.
Wash after: using the bathroom, changing diapers, touching pets, coughing/sneezing, handling trash, and any contact with raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs.

Dry hands with a clean towel or paper towel, as damp towels can harbor germs. Encourage kids to wash with you so it becomes routine.

2. Food allergies: know the plan, every time

If your host child has a food allergy, prevention is everything. Ask the host family for a written allergy plan that covers: the child’s allergens, safe foods, cross-contact steps, and emergency instructions.

Daily must-dos:

• Read labels every time. Ingredients change. Watch for "may contain" and "processed in a facility with..." warnings.
• Prevent cross-contact. Use separate cutting boards/utensils for allergens and clean surfaces with hot, soapy water (then sanitize). Wash your hands before touching safe foods.
• Holiday parties & playdates: double-check ingred

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