When mailing food gifts for the holidays, extra precautions are essential to ensure safety and freshness. Perishable foods should be shipped overnight and clearly labeled as “Keep Refrigerated” or “Keep Frozen.” Notify the recipient when the package is on its way.

“It is highly recommended to ship perishable food overnight,” said Blakeslee, who is also the coordinator of K-State’s Rapid Response Center for Food Science.

Blakeslee recommends using a sturdy box with proper packing materials to prevent breakage and including cold sources like frozen gel packs or dry ice for perishable items. Write the address with permanent markers and avoid shipping to locations without refrigeration. Ship early in the week to avoid weekend delays and prioritize non-refrigerated foods.

Perishable items are riskier to ship, so avoid glass containers, which can break and increase costs. Consider using specialized food shipping companies. Upon receiving perishable goods, check their temperature—cold items should be below 40°F. If unsafe, don’t eat the food and contact the sender. Ideal foods for shipping include dried meats, canned goods, dried fruits, and homemade treats wrapped securely.