Dec.14, 2001

COLLEGE STATION – During the holiday season, consumers who want to spread tasty seasonal joy may find catalogue shopping to be a time and energy saver. However, worries about the safety of food items sent by mail can upset many holiday festivities.

"Food packages delivered through mail do have the potential to cause foodborne illness, a disease that affects more than 76 million Americans each year," said Dr. Peggy Van Laanen, Texas Cooperative Extension food and nutrition specialist.

Foodborne illness is caused by harmful microorganisms, she said. "These microorganisms feed on moist, protein-rich food, such as meat, poultry, fish, and cheesecake," all of which are favorites for holiday sending.

Because the microorganisms multiply rapidly at temperatures between 40 F and 140 F – also called the temperature "danger zone" – never keep foods at these temperatures for more than two hours, advised Britta Thompson, Extension food and nutrition associate.

The experts said although harmful microorganisms usually can't be detected in foods through taste, smell or appearance, consumers most likely won't be able to tell if the mail-ordered food had been mishandled or could cause foodborne illness.

However, they added, a few visual signs could provide clues. To determine if perishable foods sent through the mail have been handled properly:

- Make sure food, such as meat or poultry, is still cold or frozen and has been packed with a cold source. The food item should also be packed in a foam container or heavy corrugated cardboard box.

- Check the postage date. Perishable food should be delivered quickly, ideally overnight. The outer package of the food should be clearly labeled "Keep Refrigerated."

- Immediately open any package marked "Keep Refrigerated." Check the temperature of the food items inside. Perishable items should arrive partially frozen with visible ice crystals and still be frozen in the middle. Baked or canned hams and other smoked, cured, or fully cooked perishable items should arrive cold.

- If the perishable food is warm, DO NOT CONSUME OR TASTE IT. Alert the company immediately if the food is warm.

Van Laanen warned that although mail-order shopping is easy and convenient, when it comes to foods, "It is best not to send perishable food items in the mail."

Some gift food items are safer than others, she added. "Gift food items that do not need refrigeration include canned meats, dry sausages (pepperoni, hard salamis), fruits, crackers or other dried food items."

"If you are planning to send mail-order food items to family and friends this holiday season, alert them that the gift is in the mail," Thompson said. "When possible, provide the anticipated date of delivery."

For more information, contact a county Extension agent. More information is also available through Extension publications E-123 and E-123S (Spanish), "Food Safety for Holiday Entertaining." Visit Web at http://agpublications.tamu.edu/pubs/fn/e123.pdf (English); http://agpublications.tamu.edu/pubs/fn/e123s.pdf (Spanish). "Safe Home Food Storage, " Extension publications B-5031 (English) and E-95S (Spanish), might also be of interest.

Information was also adapted from Food Safety and Inspection Service material, "Mail Order Food Safety," at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/pubs/mailorder.htm.