Food safety
Pick up chilled and frozen food last
Collect chilled and frozen items last, then go home and refrigerate them promptly.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-09
Why it matters
Warming during shopping and travel shortens safe storage time and encourages bacterial growth.
Wrong action
Taking frozen food, meat, and dairy first, then shopping or running errands for a long time.
Correct action
Plan the route, collect cold items last, use an insulated bag, and go straight home.
What to do
- Finish non-food and shelf-stable shopping first.
- Collect chilled and frozen food just before checkout.
- Use an insulated bag and transfer promptly to fridge or freezer.
If something happens
If anyone becomes severely ill, vomits repeatedly, has breathing difficulty, or becomes unresponsive after eating, stop serving, call 999, and keep packaging and remaining food.
Sources and review
- Centre for Food Safety — Five Keys to Food Safety guidance
Last reviewed: 2026-09-09
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.