THE BEAST

The convenience of online grocery shopping has taken the post-pandemic world by storm. 

Previously, the domain of busy housewives and corporate execs, the online grocery retail customer base includes about 138 million shoppers. Statista claims that revenue is expected to surpass the $455 billion threshold by 2029.

That’s an extraordinary feat for the eCommerce space.

With a few clicks, you can stock your fridge without stepping into a store. As simple as it sounds, buying food online comes with its own set of health and safety risks. From spoiled produce to hidden allergens and questionable packaging, it’s a minefield out there.

Whether new to the world of online groceries or a seasoned pro, here are seven smart tips to help you shop safely and prioritize your health.

#1. Choose Reputable Retailers

Not all online grocery stores are created equal. While big brands usually follow strict food safety practices, lesser-known platforms might not. 

Look for retailers that list food sources, handling practices, and customer reviews.

According to the International Food Information Council (IFIC), stores with good reputations reduce your chances of encountering expired or poorly handled products. 

If you're using a third-party delivery service, make sure they also follow proper food safety standards.

#2. Be Strategic With Delivery Timing

Food safety hinges on proper storage. Perishable items like meat, dairy, and frozen foods must stay cold during transit. That’s why delivery timing matters.

Opt for delivery slots when you’re home to refrigerate or freeze items immediately. Consider leaving a cooler with ice packs at your door and adding instructions for the delivery person if that’s not possible.

The American Heart Association explains that temperature-sensitive items should never sit out for more than two hours, or just one hour in hot weather.

#3. Understand Packaging Risks

Plastic and chemical leaching from packaging isn't something most people think about. It should be. 

Medical lawsuits have raised awareness about the dangers of defective materials in medical and food-grade products. A perfect case in point is the Bard PowerPort lawsuit . 

Chemotherapy patients allege that certain Bard PowerPort devices have design and manufacturing defects. TorHoerman Law says that adverse events were traced back to the port catheter device materials, which may degrade over time and cause blood clots or deep vein thrombosis.

While grocery packaging hasn't been implicated in the same way, it’s wise to reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals by:

• Avoiding microwaving food in plastic containers
  
  
• Transferring items to glass or BPA-free storage
  
  
• Choosing products with eco-friendly or food-safe packaging
  
  

This is especially important for hot or oily foods, as heat can increase chemical migration from packaging materials into your food. 

#4. Inspect Packages and Labels Carefully

When your order arrives, do a quick inspection. Check for:

• Damaged or leaking packaging
  
  
• Signs of spoilage (like odd smells or discoloration)
  
  
• Expired “use by” or “best before” dates
  
  

Poorly packaged food may have been contaminated during transport. 

While it may be tempting to save time, don’t skip this step. A 2024 study in Frontiers in Nutrition showed that minor packaging damage can lead to microbial growth in moist environments.

#5. Be Allergy-Aware

Food allergies can turn a quick grocery run into a health crisis if you’re not careful. This is true when shopping online, where labeling and ingredient details may be inconsistent.

Fortunately, some innovative tools are helping people stay safe. One such feature was created by entrepreneurs Santiago Schmitt and Damilare Ogunleye, who launched FoodLama. The online shopping assistant helps allergy sufferers filter out harmful ingredients.

If you or someone in your household has food allergies, take extra time to read ingredient lists and confirm allergen-free certifications. When in doubt, contact customer service directly.

#6. Watch Out for Substitutions

Many online platforms allow substitutions if an item is out of stock. While it’s convenient, it can also be risky.

You might receive a product with different ingredients, allergens, or nutritional values. Always double-check any substitutes before using them. 

For people managing chronic illnesses or dietary restrictions, the wrong swap can have serious consequences.

HuffPost notes that it’s essential to customize your substitution preferences ahead of time. Or abandon it entirely if you prefer control over your groceries.

#7. Stay Informed and Flexible

Finally, staying informed is your best defense. Food safety guidelines evolve, and platforms constantly change their policies.

Follow food safety resources like the FDA, CDC, or the American Heart Association to stay in the loop.

Also, build flexibility into your shopping habits. For example, if you notice a store consistently delivers wilted produce or warm dairy, don’t hesitate to switch providers. 

Peace of Mind

Online grocery shopping can be a game-changer for convenience. However, it’s not without its challenges. 

From temperature-sensitive deliveries to sneaky allergens and risky packaging, there are real health concerns to be aware of.

Choose trustworthy retailers, be vigilant with delivery and inspections, and make informed decisions.