I am wondering if it is safe/ acceptable to pack food items in checked baggage?
Thanks! ( traveling US Air)

People pack food items all the time. Use common sense, especially if you have to protect to food from spoiling. Keep in mind that food takes up valuable room in your luggage and you may be able to purchase what you need at your destination. If taking large amounts of perishables consider using a cooler (use "ice pacs" rather than dry ice as most airlines have restrictions on the amount you can use - best to check directly with your airline on that point).

Beware, though, that some food items that are very dense (choc bars, pnut butter, cheeses) may appear on Xray as potential explosives. This will cause the Transportation Security Administration screeners to open your bag. To avoid this, food items should be taken in your carry-on, not checked.

Also remember that certain types of food are prohibited. As an example, it is illegal to transport fresh fruits and vegatables between many countries and even certain states within the US.

I was actually sent thru secondary inspection once when returning to the US from China. They were screening for fresh fruits and vegetables.

No fresh fruits and vegetables allowed through customs. Also no hams from Spain or unpasturized cheeses are supposed to come through.
Within the continental US, they probably wouldn't care (different if coming from Hawaii); however, a friend of mine once packed fresh trout that he had caught on vacation in his checked luggage in a watertight container with a cold pack. The suitcase got lost--didn't show up till 3 days later. You can guess where that suitcase and everything in it went.