Online Meal Kits and Food Safety:
Before You Order

Sold by online subscription services, grocery stores and warehouse stores such as Costco, meal
kits are rapidly gaining popularity. Many experts expect sales to top five billion dollars ($5B)
annually.

If you’re considering purchasing a meal kit, do some basic food safety research before
ordering. Call a company customer service representative.

• Ask about their production facility and food safety standards
• Whether meal kits include information for safe handling and preparation.
• What happens if the meal kit arrives at temperatures above 40 degrees F.

Arrange for delivery when you are home. If not, specify a place for delivery. Meal kits with
perishable food may have cold packs to maintain a temperature of 40 degrees F or below.