How to Identify Food Grade Buckets
Check the recycling symbol on the bottom of the bucket., Examine any food-handling symbols imprinted on the plastic bucket., Consult the label on the plastic buckets., Utilize buckets that have previously been used to store food.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Check the recycling symbol on the bottom of the bucket.
The quickest and most reliable way to check for food safety is by consulting the recycling number.
This number will be between 1 and 7 and will be stamped inside a triangle of arrows.
As a general rule, the numbers that are safe for use with food are 1, 2, 4, and
5.
The best type of plastic for use in long-term food storage is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is indicated by the "2" symbol.
HDPE is one of the most stable and inert forms of plastic, and all plastic buckets sold specifically for food storage will be made from this material.
Other types of plastic acceptable for food storage include PETE, LDPE, and polypropylene (PP).
These plastics are represented by the numbers 1, 4, and 5 respectively.
An exception to this rule is bio-plastics, which are categorized under the catch-all symbol "7." Bio-plastics are plastic-like materials that are synthesized from plant-based sources such as corn.
These materials are nonreactive and can be used to store food, but note that not all plastics marked as "7" are bio-plastics. -
Step 2: Examine any food-handling symbols imprinted on the plastic bucket.
A standardized system of symbols is used on plastics to indicate their appropriate uses around food.
A symbol depicting a cup and fork means that the plastic is safe for storing food, and is therefore a food grade bucket.
Other symbols include radiating waves meaning "microwave-safe," a snowflake meaning "freezer-safe," and dishes in water meaning "dishwasher-safe."
If the buckets still have a price tag, manufacturer's label, or other identifying tag on them, you can consult this tag to determine if the plastic is food grade.
Food grade buckets will nearly always be marked as such, because they are often more expensive to produce and thus can be sold at a premium.
If the tag is missing, you may be able to contact the manufacturer and ask about the buckets they produce to determine if yours is food grade. , If a plastic bucket was initially designed for food storage, then it is a good bet that it is suitable for storing your own bulk foods.
For example, many bakeries receive frosting and other ingredients in large plastic buckets, often of 5 gallon (19 L) capacity.
These bakeries may be willing to donate or sell their empty buckets to you, after which you can clean them and use them for food storage.
Smaller plastic containers should be exempted from this rule.
For example, bottled water is often packaged using PETE (with the designation "1"), which is designed to be used once and then recycled.
PETE is initially food safe, but may break down and release harmful compounds if continually reused. -
Step 3: Consult the label on the plastic buckets.
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Step 4: Utilize buckets that have previously been used to store food.
Detailed Guide
The quickest and most reliable way to check for food safety is by consulting the recycling number.
This number will be between 1 and 7 and will be stamped inside a triangle of arrows.
As a general rule, the numbers that are safe for use with food are 1, 2, 4, and
5.
The best type of plastic for use in long-term food storage is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is indicated by the "2" symbol.
HDPE is one of the most stable and inert forms of plastic, and all plastic buckets sold specifically for food storage will be made from this material.
Other types of plastic acceptable for food storage include PETE, LDPE, and polypropylene (PP).
These plastics are represented by the numbers 1, 4, and 5 respectively.
An exception to this rule is bio-plastics, which are categorized under the catch-all symbol "7." Bio-plastics are plastic-like materials that are synthesized from plant-based sources such as corn.
These materials are nonreactive and can be used to store food, but note that not all plastics marked as "7" are bio-plastics.
A standardized system of symbols is used on plastics to indicate their appropriate uses around food.
A symbol depicting a cup and fork means that the plastic is safe for storing food, and is therefore a food grade bucket.
Other symbols include radiating waves meaning "microwave-safe," a snowflake meaning "freezer-safe," and dishes in water meaning "dishwasher-safe."
If the buckets still have a price tag, manufacturer's label, or other identifying tag on them, you can consult this tag to determine if the plastic is food grade.
Food grade buckets will nearly always be marked as such, because they are often more expensive to produce and thus can be sold at a premium.
If the tag is missing, you may be able to contact the manufacturer and ask about the buckets they produce to determine if yours is food grade. , If a plastic bucket was initially designed for food storage, then it is a good bet that it is suitable for storing your own bulk foods.
For example, many bakeries receive frosting and other ingredients in large plastic buckets, often of 5 gallon (19 L) capacity.
These bakeries may be willing to donate or sell their empty buckets to you, after which you can clean them and use them for food storage.
Smaller plastic containers should be exempted from this rule.
For example, bottled water is often packaged using PETE (with the designation "1"), which is designed to be used once and then recycled.
PETE is initially food safe, but may break down and release harmful compounds if continually reused.
About the Author
Scott Anderson
Experienced content creator specializing in DIY projects guides and tutorials.
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