"Food Safety Guide" Series | Can children eat ice cream? Keep these points in mind!

In the hot summer, people still want to eat something to cool down, and ice cream becomes everyone's first choice. So, what should children pay attention to when eating ice cream? Let's learn together.

1. After the age of 3, children can eat a small amount of ice cream, but they need to pay attention to the allergen warnings;

2. Choose full-fat ice cream first;

3. When choosing, look at the ingredient list. The fewer ingredients, the better. Try not to choose ice cream containing chocolate, coffee, pigments, etc.

4. Purchase through formal channels and pay attention to the production date and shelf life;

5. Do not eat too much at one time. You can eat in small amounts and multiple times. It is best not to exceed 80g per day.

6. Don’t eat too fast. Guide your child to swallow slowly and in small bites, so that the ice cream can fully melt in the mouth and be properly warmed up. This way, when it passes through the mouth and esophagus and reaches the stomach, it will not be so cold, and the adverse stimulation to the gastrointestinal tract can be minimized.

7. Don’t eat before or after meals. You can choose to eat about 1 hour after meals.

8. Melted ice cream cannot be put back into the refrigerator for refrozen, as it is easy to breed bacteria and the taste of the ice cream will be destroyed during the refrozen process.

9. You can also choose your child’s favorite fruits, add yogurt, and make your own healthy ice cream.

(This article was scientifically reviewed by Li Suyun, deputy director of nutrition at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and doctor of nutrition medicine.)