If an item is listed as “foodgrade, high impact plastic,” then should that be safe for long-term storage of food? That probably seems like a stupid question, but I’m looking at containers designed for animal feed. I can see using a few around the house for our food, but just wondering if I’m overlooking something? So I thought I’d ask the very knowledgable people here. Thanks.
As long as the container says on it “Foodgrade”, it should be safe. I’d keep the food in airtight plastic though…just to be sure.
Anyone who needs plastic buckets for food might try a local school or college. Call dining services and ask.
I got a bunch of 2-, 3-, and 5-gallon plastic buckets that way. I teach at the place I got mine, but you might try schools and colleges even if you don’t work there or send a kid there. Can’t hurt that much to call and ask. Some of my buckets smelled a little like dill pickles at first, but that faded.
you can also check with restaurants, most use butter/margarine in 5 gallon foodgrade buckets and throw them out when empty.
After a little commonsense thinking on this subject, I am wondering why they need to be labeled foodgrade. When storing foods in these containers, one seals them first in mylar, so that would prevent the food from being in contact with the plastic. As long as nothing toxic has been in the buckets previously, I would think that clean, never used buckets and lids would be safe. Can someone explain to me why they wouldn’t be before I invest in some? I know buckets at Lowes are fairly cheap and I would rather spend less if possible.
deborah - yes if you have food grade mylar that would work. However, if you do not please make sure that the buckets and containers you use are food grade. Over time the chemicals and residues from non-food grade plastic can leach into the food. There’s no telling what that will do to your body down the road. Food-grade containers also don’t leach any chemical-type smells or tastes that could impact the food. Also, plastic milk containers degrade over time as well so do not store your water in those. If the bucket does not say it and you are interested, contact the manufacturer directly. Typically the workers at big-box stores don’t have a clue. I think others reaserached this and found the ones at Lowe’s are safe but not Home Depot - do a search of the forum and you should be able to find it. Bakeries, delis, etc. also often have buckets that theyey are throwing out and will give them to you for free or a few pennies.
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