Are you allowed to mail food through the post office

In the United States, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has specific guidelines and restrictions for mailing food items. Here are some general guidelines:

Permitted foods:

  1. Non-perishable, dry foods: Canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, and other non-perishable items are generally allowed to be mailed.
  2. Baked goods: Homemade or store-bought baked goods, such as cookies, cakes, and bread, can be mailed as long as they are properly packaged and sealed.
  3. Dried pet food: Dry pet food, such as kibble, can be mailed as long as it is properly packaged and sealed.

Prohibited foods:

  1. Perishable foods: Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and other perishable items are not allowed to be mailed through the USPS.
  2. Liquids and gels: Foods with high liquid content, such as soups, sauces, or syrups, are not allowed to be mailed.
  3. Meat, poultry, and seafood: Raw or cooked meat, poultry, and seafood are not allowed to be mailed through the USPS.
  4. Eggs: Raw or cooked eggs are not allowed to be mailed.
  5. High-risk foods: Foods that are high-risk for contamination, such as raw or undercooked meat, poultry, or seafood, are not allowed to be mailed.

Special considerations:

  1. Temperature control: Foods that require refrigeration or freezing, such as perishable meats or dairy products, cannot be mailed through the USPS.
  2. Packaging: Foods must be properly packaged and sealed to prevent leakage or contamination during transit.
  3. Labeling: Foods must be properly labeled with the contents, weight, and any relevant handling instructions.

Additional tips:

  1. Check with your local post office: Before mailing food items, it's a good idea to check with your local post office to confirm their specific policies and guidelines.
  2. Use proper packaging: Use sturdy, leak-proof containers and wrap foods securely to prevent damage during transit.
  3. Consider alternative shipping methods: If you need to mail perishable or high-risk foods, consider using a shipping method that provides temperature control, such as FedEx or UPS.

Remember to always follow proper food safety guidelines when preparing and mailing food items to ensure the safety of both the food and the recipient.