K-State Research and Extension

Recieving a care package with food during the holidays can bring a taste of home and comfort. But, it is important the food arrives safe. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Ship in a sturdy box with packing to prevent breakage.
• Perishable foods must be packed with a cold source, i.e., frozen gel packs or dry ice.
• When using dry ice:
  • Don’t touch the dry ice with bare hands.
  • Don’t let it come in direct contact with food.
  • Warn the recipient of its use by writing “Contains Dry Ice” on the outside of the box.
• Use permanent markers to label outside of the box. Use recommended packing tape.
• Label outside clearly; make sure address is complete and correct.
• Write “Keep Refrigerated” on outside of the box.
• Alert recipient of its expected arrival.
• Do not send to business addresses or where there will not be adequate refrigerator storage.
• Do not send packages at the end of the week. Send them at the beginning of the week so they do not sit in the post office or mailing facility over the weekend.
• Whenever possible, send foods that do not require refrigeration, e.g., hard salami, hard cheese, country ham.

For more information, go to the USDA Mail Order Food Safety website. Also, search shipping company websites for more information and best practices.

Holiday parties and big family meals may tempt us away from our healthy eating habits. Allow yourself to have your favorite foods but stick to smaller servings and balance them with healthier options.

Do you have several parties to attend? Plan ahead to help reduce those extra calories. Eat a small meal for breakfast with whole grains, fruit and protein. Don’t starve yourself thinking you’ll save room for party food. Take small bites and savor the delicious party foods. Go through the buffet once to reduce nibbling.

Staying active can help you keep a healthy weight during the holiday season. Look for opportunities to work physical activities into your holiday: Go for a stroll after a family meal, take a walk at the mall, or dance to your favorite holiday music.  Aim to get at least 150 minutes a week of physical activity. For example, that could be at least 20 minutes a day or 30 minutes five days a week.  It’s important to move more and sit less.

Take simple steps to protect your family’s health when you prepare and serve holiday meals such as:

• Wash your hands and work surfaces before, during, and after preparing food, and before eating.
• Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separated during preparation.
• Cook food at the right internal temperature to kill harmful germs. Use a food thermometer to check.
• Refrigerate perishable foods, including leftovers, within two hours of buying or cooking.

Save time and stress by ordering a prepared holiday dinner. Here some tips.

• If picked up or delivered hot, keep the temperature above 140°F and eat within two hours.
• If holding turkey longer than two hours, remove stuffing from turkey cavity, cut into smaller pieces and refrigerate. Reheat to 165°F.
• If it is cooked and chilled, keep it cold. Serve within two days. If buying a whole turkey, divide it, keep cold, then follow directions to reheat. Do not reheat a whole turkey.

Go to the USDA Turkey from Farm to Table website for more information.

Receiving food gifts can be a treat during the holidays. But not if they are not safe to eat.

Many food businesses ship food, including perishable food, and should be done overnight if possible. These foods must be kept cold. If there is any evidence of tampering, the temperature of the food is above 40°F, or anything else suspicious, do not consume and contact the company.

Shipping food yourself? Use a sturdy box, frozen gel pack or dry ice, label clearly, and be sure to notify the recipient it is on the way.

Many other tips can be found at Mail Order Food Safety from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.