Having your groceries delivered can be a major time-saver, and meal kit services provide you with all the ingredients for a gourmet meal at home without having to shop for everything. But there are health risks associated with these services, which wise consumers can mitigate by taking certain precautions.
Major problems with delivered food
The biggest concern with food delivery and meal kit services is the risk of bacterial growth. Perishable food can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria when the product is not kept cold. At 40oF, it takes only two hours for microbes to begin to colonize; at 90oF, it takes only one hour. Here in Florida, with temperate weather even in the winter and very high heat and humidity the rest of the year, keeping food cool can be a challenge, especially when it is being transported.