How to Tell if an IBC Tote is Food Grade

How to Tell if an IBC Tote is Food Grade

IBC totes are large, cylindrical containers that are commonly used to store and transport liquids. They’re made from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and fiberglass. While most IBC totes are not food-grade, some are specifically designed for use with food products.

Food-grade IBC totes are made from materials that are safe for contact with food. They’re also designed to meet specific standards for cleanliness and sanitation. If you’re planning to use an IBC tote to store or transport food products, it’s important to make sure that it’s food-grade.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to tell if an IBC tote is food grade. We’ll cover the different types of materials that are used to make IBC totes, the different standards that food-grade IBC totes must meet, and how to identify a food-grade IBC tote.

We’ll also provide tips on how to properly clean and sanitize an IBC tote before using it to store food products.

Feature	Description	How to Tell
Material	Food-grade totes are made from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).	Look for a material stamp on the tote.
Color	Food-grade totes are typically white or clear.	Check the color of the tote.
Labeling	Food-grade totes are often labeled with the words “food grade” or “NSF approved.”	Look for a label on the tote.

What is an IBC Tote?

An IBC Tote, or Intermediate Bulk Container Tote, is a large, cylindrical container that is used to store and transport liquids. IBC totes are typically made of plastic or metal, and they have a capacity of between 200 and 1,000 gallons.

IBC totes are commonly used in the food and beverage industry to store and transport a variety of liquids, including water, milk, juice, and wine. They are also used in the chemical industry to store and transport a variety of chemicals, including acids, bases, and solvents.

IBC totes are a versatile and economical way to store and transport liquids. They are easy to stack and transport, and they can be used with a variety of pumps and valves.

What are the FDA requirements for food-grade IBC totes?

The FDA has strict requirements for food-grade IBC totes. These requirements are designed to ensure that IBC totes are safe for use in the food industry.

The FDA requires that food-grade IBC totes be made from materials that are non-toxic and that will not contaminate the food or beverage that is stored in them. The FDA also requires that food-grade IBC totes be clean and sanitary.

In addition to the FDA requirements, there are also a number of voluntary standards that food-grade IBC totes can be certified to. These standards include the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) D5046 standard and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15891 standard.

IBC totes that are certified to these standards have been tested and verified to meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

Here are some of the specific requirements that the FDA has for food-grade IBC totes:

• The materials used to make the IBC totes must be non-toxic and must not contaminate the food or beverage that is stored in them.
• The IBC totes must be clean and sanitary.
• The IBC totes must be able to withstand the pressures and temperatures that are typically encountered during food processing and transportation.
• The IBC totes must be labeled with the following information:
• The name of the manufacturer
• The date of manufacture
• The type of material that the IBC tote is made from
• The capacity of the IBC tote
• The IBC tote’s serial number

IBC totes that meet the FDA’s requirements for food-grade containers are a safe and economical way to store and transport food and beverages. They are easy to stack and transport, and they can be used with a variety of pumps and valves.

IBC totes are a versatile and economical way to store and transport liquids. They are especially popular in the food and beverage industry, where they are used to store and transport a variety of liquids, including water, milk, juice, and wine.

The FDA has strict requirements for food-grade IBC totes. These requirements are designed to ensure that IBC totes are safe for use in the food industry. IBC totes that meet the FDA’s requirements for food-grade containers are a safe and economical way to store and transport food and beverages.

3. How to check if an IBC tote is food grade?

There are a few ways to check if an IBC tote is food grade.

• Look for the FDA’s “Grade A” symbol. This symbol is a surefire way to tell if an IBC tote is food grade. It will be printed on the tote’s side or lid.
• Check the tote’s material. Food-grade IBC totes are typically made from polyethylene, polypropylene, or stainless steel. If the tote is made from a different material, it is not food grade.
• Read the tote’s label. The tote’s label should state whether or not it is food grade. If it does not, you can contact the manufacturer to verify.

If you are still unsure whether or not an IBC tote is food grade, it is best to err on the side of caution and not use it for food storage.

4. What to do if you are unsure if an IBC tote is food grade?

If you are unsure whether or not an IBC tote is food grade, there are a few things you can do.

• Contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer will be able to tell you whether or not the tote is food grade.
• Have the tote tested. You can have the tote tested by a third-party lab to verify its food grade status.
• Use the tote for non-food purposes. If you are not sure whether or not an IBC tote is food grade, you can use it for non-food purposes, such as storing chemicals or cleaning supplies.

It is important to note that even if an IBC tote is food grade, it is still important to clean and sanitize it before using it for food storage. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.

IBC totes are a versatile and durable storage solution that can be used for a variety of purposes. However, it is important to make sure that the IBC tote is food grade if you plan on using it for food storage. By following the tips in this article, you can be sure that you are using a food-grade IBC tote for your food storage needs.

How can I tell if an IBC Tote is food grade?

There are a few ways to tell if an IBC Tote is food grade.

• Look for the NSF International (NSF) mark. NSF International is an independent, non-profit organization that certifies products for use in the food industry. If an IBC Tote has the NSF mark, it means that it has been tested and certified to meet NSF’s rigorous standards for food contact materials.
• Check the material composition. IBC Totes are typically made from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or a combination of the two. PE and PP are both food-grade plastics that are safe for use in contact with food.
• Read the product label. The product label on an IBC Tote should state whether or not it is food grade. If it does not, you can contact the manufacturer to ask.

What are the benefits of using food-grade IBC Totes?

Food-grade IBC Totes are made from materials that are safe for use in contact with food. This means that they will not leach chemicals or other harmful substances into your food. Food-grade IBC Totes are also typically more durable than non-food-grade IBC Totes, so they can be used for a longer period of time.

What are the risks of using non-food-grade IBC Totes?

Non-food-grade IBC Totes may contain chemicals or other harmful substances that can leach into your food. This can lead to health problems such as food poisoning. Non-food-grade IBC Totes are also typically less durable than food-grade IBC Totes, so they may not last as long.

How can I store food in an IBC Tote?

To store food in an IBC Tote, you will need to:

1. Clean the IBC Tote thoroughly with a food-grade cleaning solution.
2. Line the IBC Tote with a food-grade liner.
3. Place the food in the IBC Tote.
4. Close the lid of the IBC Tote tightly.

How can I clean an IBC Tote?

To clean an IBC Tote, you will need to:

1. Remove the lid of the IBC Tote.
2. Rinse the IBC Tote with warm water.
3. Add a food-grade cleaning solution to the IBC Tote.
4. Scrub the inside of the IBC Tote with a brush.
5. Rinse the IBC Tote thoroughly with warm water.
6. Dry the IBC Tote with a towel.

What are the different types of IBC Totes?

There are three main types of IBC Totes:

• Plastic IBC Totes: These are the most common type of IBC Totes. They are made from polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP).
• Metal IBC Totes: These are made from stainless steel or aluminum. They are more durable than plastic IBC Totes, but they are also more expensive.
• Fiberglass IBC Totes: These are made from fiberglass. They are lightweight and durable, but they are also more expensive than plastic or metal IBC Totes.

How much does an IBC Tote cost?

The cost of an IBC Tote depends on the size, material, and brand. Plastic IBC Totes typically cost between $50 and $100. Metal IBC Totes typically cost between $100 and $200. Fiberglass IBC Totes typically cost between $200 and $300.

Where can I buy an IBC Tote?

IBC Totes can be purchased from a variety of sources, including online retailers, industrial supply stores, and foodservice distributors.

In this article, we discussed how to tell if an IBC tote is food grade. We learned that the most important factor is the resin type. Food-grade totes are made from polyethylene, while non-food-grade totes are often made from polypropylene. We also learned that food-grade totes should have a blue stripe on the bottom, while non-food-grade totes may have a black stripe or no stripe at all. Finally, we learned that food-grade totes should be manufactured in a facility that is registered with the FDA.

By following these tips, you can be sure that you are using food-grade totes to store your food products. This will help to protect your food from contamination and ensure that it is safe to eat.

Key Takeaways

• The most important factor in determining if an IBC tote is food grade is the resin type. Food-grade totes are made from polyethylene, while non-food-grade totes are often made from polypropylene.
• Food-grade totes should have a blue stripe on the bottom, while non-food-grade totes may have a black stripe or no stripe at all.
• Food-grade totes should be manufactured in a facility that is registered with the FDA.

By following these tips, you can be sure that you are using food-grade totes to store your food products. This will help to protect your food from contamination and ensure that it is safe to eat.