question about food grade containers

[Tapped Out]

I'm sure this has been asked before. What food grade containers should we stay away from for sap collection. Also, what are the best containers for sap collection, other than new?
Thanks.

[happy thoughts]

If you mean new food grade containers then I'd avoid ones that look like they'd get brittle and crack if frozen. Just make certain they are guaranteed food grade as not all plastics are made alike especially if they are colored or made from recycled material.

If you mean used ones, then avoid any that you aren't 100% certain have only contained food or any that still have an odor after washing. I have a barrel that still smells like the olives it was filled with at least five years ago so that isn't going anywhere near my sap.

If you're an organic type or particularly health conscious, then I'd look for ones that are certified BPA free.

[Bucket Head]

Only use new pails, or used ones that had a food product in them. Look for HDPE (high density poly ethelene) to be molded on the bottom of the pails- thats food grade plastic. As said above, strong flavors/odors will transfer to sap and syrup. Your best and cheapest bet- used pails from your local bakery/supermarket. All of mine had either icing or fruit filling in them. Easily cleaned and no odor.

Steve

[happy thoughts]

Look for HDPE (high density poly ethelene) to be molded on the bottom of the pails- thats food grade plastic.

Steve

Steve, I think we're on the same page but just want to clarify something. HDPE is a type of plastic that is often used in food grade containers but that doesn't mean that all HDPE plastic containers are food grade. For instance, HDPE pails are sold at places like Home depot but I personally would not use them for sap collection. You can't judge a container just by its recycling number. For instance, Rubbermaid makes HDPE trash containers which in certain colors are certified by the manufacturer as food grade, while those in other colors are not food safe.

So TO, make sure whatever you use is actually certified as food grade and if it's a used container, has never held anything but food. Newer plastic ware sometimes has a food safe symbol on it as well. If I remember correctly it's a picture of a wineglass and some utensils or something.

If you want to try used containers ask at your local bakery or grocer. 3-5 gallon buckets with lids that held icing or pastry filling can often be had for free.

[morningstarfarm]

I know it will raise hackles..but if you run out of other options...Lowes sells FOOD GRADE buckets...and are labeled as such...funny though..they dont sell food grade tops...go figure...

[Bucket Head]

Happy Thoughts,

I'm with you on not using colored pails- I would'nt, and did'nt reccomend colored pails. The bakery/supermarket pails are white, and I've never seen anything other than white there. HDPE can be found on everything from fruit filling buckets to five gallon motor oil buckets, but common sense has to come into play somewhere along the way when it comes to bucket decisions and producing a food product. I don't think any of us are going to be able to reach an individual who see's no problem with using a motor oil pail for holding something they are going to eventually eat. I did not mention trash cans because the original post did not mention storage, just collection. My two cents on trash can use is this; find something else. Even if you can find the food-safe variety, consider investing in a poly tank or a stainless one if you can. Or look for plastic 55gal. drums that had a food product in them. They are out there- I used them for years. Putting sap in a trash can just looks bad, period. Its just not the image we want people seeing. A questionable practice hurts all of us in the long run.

Steve