Welcome to Food Safety Focus, the newsletter covering all things quality and food safety in the logistics industry! The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to show you care than with a thoughtful food gift? From homemade cookies to gourmet cheese baskets, food gifts are a perennial favorite. But as you plan your holiday surprises, it’s important to consider food safety. Improper handling or storage can turn a heartfelt gift into a holiday hazard. Here are some helpful tips from the Cold Chain Experts to ensure your gifts are both delicious and safe this holiday season.
Partner with Reliable Cold Chain Logistics Services
For perishable food gifts like cheese, meats, or desserts that require refrigeration, trust a reliable cold chain logistics provider like RLS Logistics. We specialize in temperature controlled transportation to ensure your gifts arrive fresh and safe, no matter the distance. If you’re planning to send bulk food gifts or need storage before distribution, consider using our cold storage warehousing services. Our warehouses ensure optimal storage conditions, reducing the risk of spoilage before your gifts are shipped.
Communicate with Recipients
Let your recipients know when to expect their packages and provide tracking information. Sending a courtesy message or email to notify them of the delivery timeline can help them plan to be available for the package’s arrival. This ensures they can promptly receive and properly store perishable gifts, maintaining the quality of your thoughtful gesture.
Prioritize Food Safety in Packaging
Secure and hygienic packaging is a must for all food gifts. Whether you’re shipping through a professional service like RLS or delivering locally, ensure all items are sealed to prevent contamination. For refrigerated items, use thermal packaging combined with gel packs to maintain a consistent cool temperature. For frozen items, dry ice is an excellent option to keep products frozen solid throughout shipping.
Not all recipients are familiar with how to handle specialty foods. Include detailed instructions for cold storage and consumption, such as refrigeration needs or best-by dates, to ensure your gifts are enjoyed at their best.
ABOUT RLS LOGISTICS: Headquartered in Glassboro, NJ, RLS Logistics is a family-owned, third-party logistics provider specializing in value-added cold chain solutions, including LTL and FTL transportation, cold storage warehousing, and direct-to-consumer fulfillment. Founded in 1968, the company has been owned and managed by the Leo family for over 55 years and has grown into a leading integrated cold chain 3PL. For more information on cold storage warehousing at RLS Logistics, contact us today.
