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New York City, New York - August, 8, 2011

Parents often make sure they pack healthy foods for their kids to take to school, but a new study shows bacteria may be lurking in their lunch.

Many parents pack their kids' school lunches to save money and to guarantee their kids eat healthy. "Today we did soy butter and jelly for a sandwich," said Joe Taravella, a parent.

But a new study in Pediatrics finds parents may be unwittingly packing a breeding ground for bacteria. Researchers examined the lunches of 700 preschoolers and found more than 98% at unsafe temperatures, even with ice packs.

"I'm shocked. I feel I'm failing as a parent," Taravella said.

Doctors say the findings are of particular concern for younger children. "In a daycare age group, kids under four, about four times more likely to get serious illnesses from food poisoning than somebody's whose older and so this is an age group that we're particularly focused on," said Dr. Matthew Weissman, a Pediatrician at Ryan-NENA Community Health Center.

Doctors acknowledge most kids don't get sick from packed lunches, but say it's about reducing the risk of food borne illness.

"Make sure that you use ice packs and insulated bags as much as possible and in particular I'm talking about meats and dairy, and raw vegetables," Dr. Weissman said.

Experts say at school, be sure lunches get into a refrigerator. Use fruits with peels, like bananas and oranges, and foods not so temperature dependent, like peanut butter. And talk with school administrators about your concerns.

"I'm definitely gonna find out about it and see what they do and see that they implement some kind of policy where we ensure the kids lunches are not filled with bacteria," Taravella said.

A little food for thought, as parents get ready to send their children back to school this fall.

Susan McGinnis - CBS News