Food-Grade IBC Totes for Sale Near Me

Food-grade IBC totes are intermediate bulk containers used to safely store and transport consumable products, such as food ingredients and potable water. To be classified as food grade, an IBC must comply with rigorous FDA and ANSI/NSF standards that guarantee the contents remain uncontaminated.

• FDA-Approved Resin: The plastic used must be a food-grade, virgin polyethylene resin that complies with FDA Title 21 CFR requirements.

• Certified Components: All parts—including gaskets, valves, and lids—must be made from food-safe materials.

• ANSI/NSF Standard 61 Compliance: This certification ensures the IBC is suitable for potable water and other food-related applications.

• No Leaching or Breakdown: Food grade IBCs are engineered to resist chemical breakdown, preventing any harmful substances from leaching into food or liquids.

These totes are most commonly found in 275 gal and 330 gal composite IBCs. Both are cube-shaped, reusable, and mounted in a protective steel cage with a pallet base for handling.

Industries that commonly use food-grade IBC totes include:

• Food and beverage production – for syrups, sauces, oils, juice concentrates
• Dairy and agriculture – for milk transport, molasses, livestock feed liquids
• Breweries and wineries – for fermentation or ingredient blending
• Water systems – for storing potable water for human or animal use
• Cosmetics and nutraceuticals – where food-safe handling is required for ingredients

These totes are chosen for their capacity, reusability, and compliance with food safety standards.

For any product intended for human or animal consumption, a new IBC tote is required. Alternatively, a rebottled composite IBC—featuring a brand-new, FDA-compliant plastic bottle inside a reused cage—also meets food-grade standards. Both options comply with strict FDA manufacturing and sanitation requirements.

In contrast, used food-grade IBC totes are containers that previously held products intended for human or animal consumption and have been used at least once. Regardless of prior contents, they are no longer considered food-grade after use. They are suitable for non-consumable uses, including:

• Rainwater collection
• Livestock watering
• Agricultural liquid storage
• Non-edible oil or soap transport

Used food-grade totes are often available as:

• Dirty: Unwashed, with product residue
• Rinsed: Lightly cleaned and drained

The table below outlines the key differences between new and used food-grade IBC totes, including material safety, certifications, and common applications.

This table summarizes the physical specifications of the two most common composite IBCs sizes: 275-gallon and 330-gallon.