How to package food for shipping

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Packaging food for shipping

Many postal and courier services throughout the UK allow business, both big and small, to ship their products through the post. Whether you are shipping food as part of your business or simply want to learn how to package food items efficiently and safely for shipping, our guide has you covered.

Regulations for packaging food

According to the Food Standards Agency:

“All food must be delivered to consumers in a way that ensures that it does not become unsafe or unfit to eat.

Food that needs refrigerating must be kept cool while being transported. This may need to be packed in an insulated box with a coolant gel or in a cool bag. Equally, food that needs to be kept hot should be packed in an insulated bag.”

Any changes or updates to the process of delivering your food products must be documented via the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan, to include details of transported food.

What food products can be sent in the mail?

Non-perishable foods

Non-perishable foods can be sent in the mail, however they are not able to be shipped internationally.

Perishable foods

Perishable food items can be shipped within the UK, however there are considerably more tighter restrictions that apply on products that require refrigeration such as:

Fresh fruits
Vegetables
Meat products
Dairy products

How to package food for shipping

How to package non-perishable foods for shipping

Non-perishable food must:

Be kept away from perishable food items
Be packaged accordingly with provisions taken to prevent movement
Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures

How to package refrigerated perishable food for shipping

Refrigerated perishable food must:

Be sent at a minimum of First Class to arrive the next day or as soon as possible
Be able to withstand a journey of up to 48 hours
Be kept below 8°C
Not be wet
Use ice packs or coolant gels to maintain the foods temperature
Be shipped in strong and sturdy packaging such as corrugated cardboard or polystyrene
Be suitable sealed and prevented from leaks or contamination from other items
Be clearly labelled as perishable with the sender’s name and return address visible on the outer packaging

How to package frozen perishable food for shipping

Frozen perishable food must:

Be kept below -18°C
Use frozen gel packs or dry ice to maintain the foods temperature, ensuring any dry ice does not come into contact with the food
Be tightly sealed in plastic food bags to prevent contamination or leakage
Be shipped in strong and sturdy packaging such as corrugated cardboard or polystyrene
Be clearly labelled as perishable and labelled as containing dry ice
Be labelled with the sender’s name and return address visible on the outer packaging