#Food grade buckets how to

HDPE #2 buckets that are not food grade may have been manufactured with a non-food-grade “mold release agent”. Years ago I discovered this information from JWR’s site:īuckets that are not food grade may out-gas and leach into the container, as well as into the contents held within the container. Note: All food grade buckets are made of HDPE #2 (high density polyethylene), but apparently not all HDPE #2 buckets are food grade. If you will be storing food directly in a plastic bucket or container, or if you will be using the container for drinking water, it is best to verify that the material is food-safe before you purchase. It’s best if they are opaque or mostly opaque (can’t see light through them) which is beneficial for long term food storage. The symbol may be located on the bottom of the bucket-pail.Ī food grade bucket may also be specifically marked as USDA approved, or FDA or NSF approved. Some food grade buckets or containers will be marked with a cup-and-fork symbol as an indicator. If the bucket is considered ‘food grade’ it will typically be marketed as such and / or labeled “Food Grade”, “Food Safe”, etc.

#Food grade buckets how to

While I am not discrediting those who seek out “used” food grade buckets from restaurants, grocery stores, bakery’s or other sources to be used for their own food storage preparedness, I do want to point out how to identify a bucket as “food grade”…Ī food grade bucket will be clearly marked or branded as food grade. I believe that the reference was towards the required efforts of thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing them for use, coupled with the risk of contamination if they are not entirely rendered “safe”.Ĭonsider this: “Rendering a food grade bucket that has had food products in contact with the surfaces safe from bacterial growth can be iffy.”

That comment from one of our readers is prudent. “I know that for many, saving every penny possible is paramount, but when it comes to food grade buckets I think that going around begging for them at businesses that discard them is cost ineffective.”