The popularity of home-delivery meal kits is on the rise, at least in part because of a hot startup economy and increasing consumer interest in cooking and eating food at home (though many still lack the time or know-how to do it).

Unfortunately, purchasing food delivery kits—which are packed in dry ice and may often sit on a hot doorstep for hours—is not risk-free. Though 95% of consumers think these meals are safe, a study found that nearly half of all deliveries tested arrived at temperatures rendering the food unsafe to eat, according to a May 12 report in Food Safety News.

Natalie Digate Muth, MD, MPH, RD

Natalie Digate Muth, MD, MPH, RD

“Natalie Digate Muth, MD, MPH, RDN, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician and obesity medicine physician, registered dietitian and health coach. She practices general pediatrics with a focus on healthy family routines, nutrition, physical activity and behavior change in North County, San Diego. She also serves as the senior advisor for healthcare solutions at the American Council on Exercise. Natalie is the author of five books and is committed to helping every child and family thrive. She is a strong advocate for systems and communities that support prevention and wellness across the lifespan, beginning at 9 months of age.”