How to Identify Food Grade Buckets: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

FAQs

How to Identify Food Grade Buckets: 9 Steps (with Pictures)? ›

To identify food grade buckets, flip a bucket over and look for the recycling number on the bottom. If it's labeled "1," "2," "4," or "5," the bucket is safe to store food in. You can also check the bottom of the bucket to see if there's a cup and fork symbol, which means the bucket is safe for storing food.

Check out the bucket's universal recycling symbol; this relates to what type of plastic the bucket is made of. You should see the classic recycling symbol with a number inside of it. Generally, food grade plastics will be labeled with either 1, 2, 4, or 5.

For something to be considered food grade, the material must be able to be cleaned effectively, and not allow any foreign particles to find their way into food. Generally, the surface should be smooth and free of any imperfections such as cracks, ridges or crevices, where bacteria could grow.

The RIC is a number used to identify the type of resin used in the manufacture of the plastic. Foodstuffs are shipped most often in barrels with RIC codes of #2, #4 and #5. The HDPE, from which food grade barrels are made, is assigned the former.

IDENTIFYING FOOD-SAFE PLASTICS

Plastic packaging with code numbers 1 (PET or PETE), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE) and 5 (PP) is food-safe. However, any plastic bearing the numbers 3 (V or PVC), 6 (PS) and 7 (OTHERS) must be avoided as it contains potentially harmful compounds.

Food-grade totes are certified by the DOT/UN. To tell if an IBC tote is food grade, check the sidewall for markings.

"Food grade" status of chemicals is often determined by a combination of FDA (gras listings etc.) and EPA. Frankly, most auditors simply look for "food grade" somewhere on the label or NSF somewhere.

As one of the most stable and inert forms of plastics, HDPE is the most common type of plastic used for food storage. Most “food safe” 5 gallon buckets are made from HDPE. LDPE is a thinner and more flexible version of HDPE.

The international symbol for "food safe" material is a wine glass and a fork symbol. The symbol indicates that the material used in the product is considered safe for food contact. This includes food and water containers, packaging materials, cutlery etc.

Blue is the standard food-grade drum. One of the often forgotten and perhaps most important aspects of polyethylene is how easy it is to recycle and reuse the containers.

What is number 1 food grade plastic? ›

PET or PETE — This type of plastic, polyethylene terephthalate is listed as number 1 inside the recycling triangle diagram. PET plastic is clear, tough and has gas and moisture barrier properties. This plastic is commonly used for beverages such as soft drinks, juices and bottled water.

In short, no. Food grade buckets are made with special materials to ensure that the food remains untainted and unspoiled. For example, you wouldn't want to store food in a 5 gallon paint bucket because paint buckets are designed to hold non-food items, so they are not made with food grade materials.

Plastic containers come with a food-grade rating on the bottom that ranges from 1 to 7. This gives consumers an idea of how safe they are for storing their food. Plastic grades 2, 4, and 5 are the safest for food storage. Using these plastics to store food will prevent accidental toxin ingestion.

Generally speaking, the numbers that denote food grade standards are 1, 2, 4, and 5. Those displaying a number 2 are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This is arguably the best type of plastic for use in long-term food storage as it is one of the most stable and inert forms of plastic.

Home Depot Homer buckets are great for holding lots of things, but they're not food-grade. Yes, these buckets are made from HDPE (high density polyethylene) and have a #2 recycling symbol.

The best way to tell if a 5 gallon bucket is food safe is to purchase a bucket that is specifically designated as “food safe.” If you aren't sure, you can flip it over and check the recycling code on the bottom. Certain types of plastics are considered food safe, while others are not.

The international symbol for "food safe" material is a wine glass and a fork symbol. The symbol indicates that the material used in the product is considered safe for food contact. This includes food and water containers, packaging materials, cutlery etc.

Home Depot Homer buckets are great for holding lots of things, but they're not food-grade. Yes, these buckets are made from HDPE (high density polyethylene) and have a #2 recycling symbol.

On the bottom of the bucket, there should be a recycling symbol, which also contains a recycling number between 1 and 7. This number will be stamped between a triangle of arrows. Generally speaking, the numbers that denote food grade standards are 1, 2, 4, and 5.