At a glance
- Children under 5 are more likely to get sick from certain germs spread through food, like Salmonella and E. coli.
- Food poisoning in young children can be dangerous because it can lead to diarrhea and dehydration.
- Some foods are more likely to spread harmful germs, including undercooked meat and eggs, unpasteurized milk and cheese, and unwashed produce.
- Choose safer food options for your child to protect them from food poisoning.
- In addition to avoiding riskier foods, always follow the four steps to prevent food poisoning: clean, separate, cook, and chill.
Why it's important
Young children have a higher risk of food poisoning. Their immune systems are still developing, so their bodies aren't able to fight germs and sickness as well as adults. Food poisoning can be particularly dangerous for them because it can lead to diarrhea and dehydration.
To prevent food poisoning, some foods are safer choices than others. That's because some foods—such as undercooked meat and eggs, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurized milk — are more often associated with foodborne illnesses.
Fact
Children younger than 5 are three times more likely to be hospitalized if they get a Salmonella infection.
Safer food choices
Use the table below as a guide to safer food choices. You should also always follow steps to prevent food poisoning.
| Poultry and Meat | |
|---|---|
| Riskier Choice | Safer Choice |
Raw or undercooked poultry or meat
|
Poultry and meat cooked to a safe internal temperature. Use a food thermometer to check.
|
| Vegetables and Fruits | |
| Riskier Choice | Safer Choice |
|
|
| Juice | |
| Riskier Choice | Safer Choice |
| Unpasteurized juice or cider |
|
| Milk | |
| Riskier Choice | Safer Choice |
| Unpasteurized (raw) milk and dairy products made from unpasteurized milk | Pasteurized milk and dairy products made from pasteurized milk |
| Cheese | |
| Riskier Choice | Safer Choice |
| Soft cheese made from unpasteurized (raw) milk — for example, queso fresco, brie, camembert, and blue-veined cheese |
|
| Eggs | |
| Riskier Choice | Safer Choice |
Raw or undercooked (runny) eggs, and foods that contain raw or undercooked eggs, such as
|
|
| Seafood | |
| Riskier Choice | Safer Choice |
| Raw or undercooked fish or shellfish, including sashimi, sushi, and ceviche |
|
| Flour | |
| Riskier Choice | Safer Choice |
| Raw dough or raw batter made with raw (uncooked) flour |
|
