How to Tell if an IBC Tote is Food Grade (With Pictures)

ByJennifer Lucks

How to Tell If an IBC Tote is Food Grade

IBC totes are a common sight in warehouses and industrial settings. They’re used to store and transport a variety of liquids, including food products. But not all IBC totes are created equal. Some are made with materials that are not safe for contact with food, while others are specifically designed for food-grade use.

If you’re not sure whether an IBC tote is food grade, there are a few things you can check. First, look for the FDA’s “Grade A” symbol. This symbol indicates that the tote has been certified by the FDA for use with food products.

Second, check the tote’s material composition. Food-grade IBC totes are typically made from polyethylene, polypropylene, or stainless steel. These materials are non-toxic and will not leach harmful chemicals into food products.

Finally, read the tote’s label carefully. The label should state whether the tote is food grade or not. If you’re still not sure, err on the side of caution and don’t use the tote for food storage.

By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your food products are safe from contamination.

Feature What to look for Explanation
Material HDPE or LDPE Food-grade totes are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
Color Blue or white Food-grade totes are typically blue or white.
Label NSF or FDA certification Food-grade totes should have a label from the NSF or FDA certifying that they are safe for food contact.

What is an IBC Tote?

An IBC Tote (Intermediate Bulk Container Tote) is a large, cylindrical plastic container that is used to store and transport a variety of liquids and solids. IBC Totes are typically made from polyethylene or polypropylene, and they come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 275 gallons to 1,000 gallons.

IBC Totes are often used in the food, beverage, chemical, and agricultural industries. They are also used in a variety of other industries, such as the automotive, construction, and manufacturing industries.

IBC Totes offer a number of benefits over other types of containers, including:

  • Durability: IBC Totes are made from strong, durable materials that can withstand a variety of conditions, including extreme temperatures, chemicals, and rough handling.
  • Reusability: IBC Totes can be reused multiple times, which can help to reduce waste and save money.
  • Portability: IBC Totes are lightweight and portable, making them easy to transport.
  • Stackability: IBC Totes can be stacked, which saves space and makes them easy to store.

What are the different types of IBC Totes?

There are a variety of different types of IBC Totes, each of which is designed for a specific purpose. The most common types of IBC Totes include:

  • Food-grade IBC Totes: These totes are made from food-grade materials and are approved for use in the food industry. They are typically used to store and transport food products, such as beverages, oils, and dry goods.
  • Chemical-grade IBC Totes: These totes are made from chemical-resistant materials and are approved for use in the chemical industry. They are typically used to store and transport chemicals, such as acids, bases, and solvents.
  • Hazardous-materials IBC Totes: These totes are made from materials that are resistant to a variety of hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids, corrosives, and oxidizers. They are typically used to store and transport hazardous materials, such as pesticides, fuels, and paints.
  • General-purpose IBC Totes: These totes are made from a variety of materials and are not approved for use in any specific industry. They are typically used to store and transport a variety of liquids and solids.

How to Tell If an IBC Tote is Food Grade?

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

  • Check the label: The label on an IBC Tote should indicate whether it is food grade. If the label does not indicate whether the tote is food grade, you can contact the manufacturer to verify.
  • Look for the NSF seal: The NSF seal is a mark of certification that indicates that a product has been tested and approved for use in the food industry. If an IBC Tote has the NSF seal, it is safe for use with food products.
  • Test the tote: You can also test the tote yourself to see if it is food grade. To do this, fill the tote with water and add a few drops of food coloring. If the food coloring does not leach into the water, the tote is food grade.

IBC Totes are a versatile and economical way to store and transport a variety of liquids and solids. By choosing the right type of IBC Tote, you can ensure that your products are safe and secure.

If you have any questions about IBC Totes, please contact the manufacturer or your local distributor.

How to tell if an IBC Tote is food grade?

IBC totes are commonly used to store and transport a variety of liquids, including food products. However, not all IBC totes are food grade, and using a non-food grade IBC tote to store food can result in contamination.

There are a few ways to tell if an IBC tote is food grade. First, you can look for the FDA’s Direct Food Contact (DFC) symbol. This symbol indicates that the IBC tote has been tested and approved for direct contact with food.

Second, you can check the IBC tote’s material composition. Food grade IBC totes are typically made from polyethylene, polypropylene, or stainless steel. These materials are non-toxic and will not leach harmful chemicals into food products.

Finally, you can contact the manufacturer of the IBC tote to verify that it is food grade. The manufacturer should be able to provide you with a certificate of food grade certification.

If you are unsure whether an IBC tote is food grade, it is best to err on the side of caution and use a tote that has been specifically designed for food storage.

What are the benefits of using food grade IBC Totes?

There are a number of benefits to using food grade IBC totes, including:

  • Food safety: Food grade IBC totes are made from materials that are non-toxic and will not leach harmful chemicals into food products. This helps to protect the safety of food products and ensure that they meet food safety standards.
  • Durability: Food grade IBC totes are made from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of food storage and transportation. This helps to ensure that food products are protected from damage during transport and storage.
  • Convenience: Food grade IBC totes are typically stackable and can be easily moved around. This makes them a convenient option for storing and transporting food products.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Food grade IBC totes are typically a cost-effective option for storing and transporting food products. This is because they are reusable and can be used for many years.

Overall, food grade IBC totes are a safe, durable, convenient, and cost-effective option for storing and transporting food products.

IBC totes are a versatile and economical way to store and transport a variety of liquids, including food products. However, it is important to use food grade IBC totes to ensure the safety of food products. Food grade IBC totes are made from non-toxic materials that will not leach harmful chemicals into food products. They are also durable, stackable, and easy to move around. Overall, food grade IBC totes are a safe, convenient, and cost-effective option for storing and transporting food products.

How do I tell if an IBC tote is food grade?

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

1. Look for the NSF International mark. NSF International is an independent, non-profit organization that certifies food-grade products. If an IBC tote has the NSF International mark, you can be confident that it is safe for use with food products.
2. Check the tote’s material composition. Food-grade IBC totes are typically made from polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). These materials are inert and do not leach harmful chemicals into food products.
3. Ask the manufacturer. If you are not sure if an IBC tote is food grade, you can always contact the manufacturer for verification.

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

Food-grade IBC totes offer a number of benefits over non-food-grade totes, including:

  • Safety: Food-grade IBC totes are made from materials that are inert and do not leach harmful chemicals into food products. This helps to protect the safety of your food products.
  • Durability: Food-grade IBC totes are typically made from strong, durable materials that can withstand the rigors of food production and transportation. This helps to ensure that your food products are protected from damage.
  • Reusability: Food-grade IBC totes can be reused multiple times, which helps to reduce waste and save money.

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

Non-food-grade IBC totes may contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food products. This can pose a serious health risk to consumers. In addition, non-food-grade IBC totes are typically not as durable as food-grade totes, and they may be more likely to leak or break. This can lead to contamination of food products and costly repairs.

How can I clean and sanitize an IBC tote?

To clean and sanitize an IBC tote, you will need the following materials:

  • A mild detergent
  • A clean cloth or sponge
  • A bucket of water
  • A food-grade sanitizer

1. Rinse the tote inside and out with warm water.
2. Apply a mild detergent to the tote and scrub it with a clean cloth or sponge.
3. Rinse the tote thoroughly with warm water.
4. Sanitize the tote with a food-grade sanitizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Allow the tote to dry completely before using it to store food products.

How can I store food in an IBC tote?

To store food in an IBC tote, you will need the following materials:

  • An IBC tote that is food grade
  • A food-grade liner
  • Food-grade lids
  • Food-grade labels

1. Rinse the tote inside and out with warm water.
2. Place a food-grade liner in the tote.
3. Fill the tote with food products.
4. Secure the lids on the tote.
5. Label the tote with the name of the food product, the date it was stored, and the expiration date.

How can I prevent food contamination from IBC totes?

To prevent food contamination from IBC totes, you can take the following steps:

  • Use only food-grade IBC totes. Non-food-grade IBC totes may contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food products.
  • Clean and sanitize IBC totes regularly. This will help to remove any bacteria or other contaminants that may be present.
  • Store food products in food-grade liners. This will help to protect the food products from coming into contact with the tote itself.
  • Use food-grade lids to seal the tote. This will help to prevent contaminants from entering the tote.
  • Label the tote with the name of the food product, the date it was stored, and the expiration date. This will help to ensure that the food products are used before they expire.

By following these steps, you can help to prevent food contamination from IBC totes and keep your food products safe.

there are a few key things to look for when determining if an IBC tote is food grade. First, the tote should be made from a food-grade plastic, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Second, the tote should have a food-grade liner. Third, the tote should be free of any cracks or other damage that could allow contaminants to enter the food. If you are unsure whether an IBC tote is food grade, it is best to err on the side of caution and not use it for food storage.

Here are some additional tips for storing food in IBC totes:

  • Use only food-grade totes that are specifically designed for food storage.
  • Clean the totes thoroughly before using them.
  • Use a food-grade liner to protect the food from contaminants.
  • Store the food in a cool, dry place.
  • Rotate the food so that the oldest items are used first.
  • Inspect the food regularly for signs of spoilage.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your food is safe to eat.

Author Profile

Jennifer Lucks
Jennifer Lucks
With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.

Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.

In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.

Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.