Food-grade plastic drums are essential in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries by providing a sterile receptacle for storing and transporting consumer goods. However, to be food-grade, plastic drums must meet FDA regulations. As such, food-grade plastic drums must be new and unopened before use to prevent contamination, and they must not contain any harmful dyes, additives, or products that could harm consumer health. Understanding the specifics of FDA-approved drums is essential to ensure compliance and consumer safety.
Food-Grade vs. Food-Safe Plastic Drums
Plastic drums with a food-grade designation are safe for direct and long-term food contact. However, a food-grade material is not food-safe for every application. To be food-safe, the product must be used as intended to prevent hazards. For example, a plastic container designed for dry goods may not be food-safe for hot soup, as it is not designed for high temperatures. While food-grade means a material is suitable for direct contact, food-safe means the product is designed to be safe for its specific intended use.
FDA Standards for Food-Grade Plastic Drum Materials
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets strict guidelines for the types of materials that can come in direct contact with food. To prevent contamination, food-grade containers must be new and not contain harmful dyes or chemicals. Additionally, only specific plastics deemed safe for direct food contact can be used in food-grade applications, including:
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- Food-grade polypropylene (PP)
- Polycarbonate (PC)
The most common material used for the production of food-grade drums is HDPE. It is extremely durable and not toxic to humans, offers chemical resistance, and provides resistance against mold, mildew, and corrosion. This makes HDPE particularly well-suited for long-term food and beverage storage. Steel drums with a painted lining may also qualify as food-grade, and they are commonly used for storing and fermenting food products.
Applications of Food-Grade Plastic Drums
Food-grade plastic drums have a wide variety of applications in the food and beverage industry, including:
- Food and beverage storage. Food-grade plastic drums are essential in the safe long-term storage of solid, liquid, and dry food products. Their air-tight seal and leak-proof nature ensure products stay in, moisture and air stay out, and no pests can get in.
- Food and beverage transportation. Due to its strength, durability, and weather resistance, food-grade plastic drums are also ideally suited for transporting food and beverages across long distances.
- Fermentation and brewing. Food-grade plastic drums are also sometimes used in the fermentation processes in the production of beer and vinegar.
- Pharmaceuticals. Food-grade, FDA-compliant plastic drums are safe for sensitive products that must avoid contamination. As such, they are frequently used for storing and transporting medicine, medical devices, and health-related products.
Choose High-Quality, Food-Grade Plastic Drums From McManus Drum Co.
Food-grade plastic drums are essential across the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, providing high-quality containers for the safe storage and transportation of consumer goods. Manufacturers must partner with trusted suppliers to source reliable, high-quality food-grade drums suited for their specific applications.
For over 60 years, McManus Drum Company has been providing drums, containers, and industrial products to large and small businesses throughout the Southeast. With our vast experience in the plastic drum industry, we can help find you the perfect food-safe storage drums for your application. Feel free to contact us today or request a quote to learn more.