With many schools now peanut-free, it’s important for parents to do their homework before packing their child’s lunches and snacks.

While most North American manufacturers now list the presence or absence of peanuts or tree nuts such as cashews and pecans on their packaging, they can be lurking in other places that are less obvious.

Toronto Public Health recommends carefully reading labels on pre-packaged foods every time you shop, and looking for less obvious references to peanuts and peanut products. Other names for peanuts include:

-Arachide

-Arachis oil

-Beer nuts

-Ground nuts

-Nut meats

-Valencias

Be on the lookout for lines such as: “May contain traces of peanuts or nuts”, or “Processed in a facility that uses nuts.” If you can’t be sure that the product hasn’t been in contact with peanuts at some stage, it’s best to avoid it.

TPH also advises parents avoid products that don’t carry complete ingredient lists (for instance foods purchased from bulk stores), or imported foods where the ingredient list is in a different language.

When preparing your child’s lunches and snacks, be sure to wash your hands before you get started. If you have peanut residue on your hands, it can transfer to your child’s lunch. And though you should encourage your little one not to share their lunch with other kids, we all know it can happen.

Among the safer choices to include in your youngster’s lunch bag:

-Fruits and vegetables

-Vegetable-based soups

-Whole grain breads and crackers

We love this ALT (Avocado, lettuce and tomato) sandwich from our friends Ceri and Laura of Sweet Potato Chronicles.

-Leftovers from previous evening’s dinner

These chicken salsa tacos are easy to whip up (slow cooker to the rescue!) and transform into sandwiches the next day!

-Pasta, rice, noodles

Summer rice wraps are customizable with whatever fruit, veggies, and meat or seafood you prefer!

-Milk, yogurt, and pudding

-Canned fish, chicken, turkey, roast beef

This fancy tuna wrap is packed with colourful veggies!

-Eggs, hummus, lentils, beans

And here are a few snack choices we like:

-Granola bars – homemade are best!

Try these easy-to-make cranberry granola balls

-Salsa and veggies or chips

To switch it up from tomato, try one of these amazing fruit salsas, courtesy Sweet Potato Chronicles.

-Cheese and whole-grain crackers

-Cut-up fruit and vegetables

-Homemade muffins

These raspberry oat bran muffins from Mairlyn Smith are full of healthy ingredients – and your kids will love the fact that they’re bursting with fresh berries!

We’re always looking for healthy school lunch and snack ideas – share yours in the comments below!