What food item does the Food and Drug Administration advise against offering on a children's menu?

The Food and Drug Administration advises against offering rare cheeseburgers on a children's menu primarily due to food safety concerns. Ground beef, when cooked rare, may not reach a temperature sufficient to eliminate harmful pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella. These bacteria can cause severe foodborne illnesses, which can be particularly dangerous for children, whose immune systems might not be fully developed.

In contrast, bacon cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, and pasta salads can be made with ingredients that, when prepared and cooked properly, are safer options for children. These items can be served at appropriate temperatures and cooked thoroughly to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Therefore, avoiding rare cheeseburgers is a necessary precaution to ensure the health and safety of children consuming food from the menu.