Our food grade IBC totes are used composite containers that have been specifically selected and processed to meet FDA standards for food-contact packaging. Not every used IBC qualifies for food-grade status — we carefully screen incoming inventory to select only containers that previously held food-safe, non-toxic, FDA-compliant products such as food-grade syrups, vegetable glycerin, cooking oils, fruit juices, or potable water. Containers with any history of industrial chemicals, solvents, or hazardous materials are permanently excluded from our food-grade program. Each qualifying container goes through our rigorous food-grade cleaning protocol: a three-stage wash using FDA-approved, food-safe cleaning agents, followed by multiple hot-water rinses to ensure zero detergent residue remains. The interior is then visually inspected under strong light to confirm a completely clean surface with no staining, etching, or film. All gaskets are replaced with new food-grade silicone or EPDM seals, and the discharge valve is disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled to food-safe standards. The HDPE bottles in our food-grade IBCs are made from high-density polyethylene that is inherently FDA-compliant and BPA-free. HDPE is one of the safest plastics for food contact — it does not leach chemicals, does not impart taste or odor, and is resistant to bacterial growth. For businesses in the food, beverage, nutraceutical, or potable water industries that need bulk liquid containers at a competitive price, our food-grade used IBCs deliver the safety and compliance you need without the cost of buying new.
Specifications
Key Features
Common Applications
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an IBC tote "food grade"?
A food-grade IBC tote meets three criteria: (1) the HDPE bottle material itself is FDA-compliant for food contact under 21 CFR regulations, (2) the container has only previously held food-safe, non-toxic products, and (3) the container has been cleaned using FDA-approved cleaning agents and protocols. All three conditions must be met. We verify prior-use history, use only food-safe cleaning agents during our triple-wash process, and replace all gaskets with food-grade silicone or EPDM seals.
Can I use a food-grade IBC for drinking water?
Yes. Our food-grade IBCs are suitable for potable water storage. The HDPE material is FDA-approved for food contact and does not leach chemicals into water. However, for long-term potable water storage, we recommend keeping containers out of direct sunlight (UV can degrade HDPE over time), using a tight-fitting cap to prevent contamination, and rotating your water supply periodically. For permanent drinking water infrastructure, consult your local health department for any additional regulations that may apply in your area.
How do you verify the prior contents of a food-grade IBC?
Every used IBC we receive is documented with available prior-use information, including previous contents, manufacturer, and date of original production. We source our food-grade inventory primarily from food and beverage manufacturers, juice processors, syrup producers, and other FDA-regulated facilities. Containers with unknown histories or any history of non-food products, industrial chemicals, or hazardous materials are never included in our food-grade inventory. When specific prior-content documentation is required, we can provide it upon request.
Do your food-grade IBCs come with any certification?
Yes. Each food-grade IBC we sell can be accompanied by a certificate of cleaning that documents the cleaning process, cleaning agents used, and the date of processing. Additionally, the HDPE material itself is manufactured to FDA 21 CFR standards for food-contact plastics. If your application requires specific documentation for auditors, inspectors, or regulatory compliance, let us know and we will provide the appropriate paperwork.
What is the difference between a food-grade IBC and a standard used IBC?
A standard used IBC has been cleaned and inspected for general-purpose use, but it may have previously held non-food industrial products such as soaps, detergents, or industrial cleaners. A food-grade IBC has a verified food-safe prior-use history, is triple-washed with FDA-approved cleaning agents (not standard industrial cleaners), and receives new food-grade gaskets. The cleaning protocol is more rigorous, the sourcing is more selective, and the documentation is more thorough. Food-grade IBCs cost slightly more than standard used totes due to the additional processing and quality requirements.
Can I store organic-certified products in these IBCs?
Our food-grade IBCs use FDA-compliant HDPE and food-safe cleaning agents, making them compatible with most organic product storage needs. However, organic certification requirements can vary by certifying body and product category. We recommend consulting with your organic certifier to confirm that a used food-grade IBC meets the specific container requirements for your certified organic product. We can provide detailed cleaning protocol documentation to support your certification review.
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