Think every 5 gallon bucket is the same? You obviously haven’t read much of our content! That’s OK.
At ePackageSupply.com, we’re passionate about what we do. . One thing we do is manufacture food grade 5 gallon buckets—ideal for farmers, restaurateurs, or even preppers. If you need safe, reliable food storage, short- or long-term, then you’ll want to keep reading.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through a few of the features that make food grade buckets, especially those set up with gamma seal lids*, your best bet.
The short answer to this blog’s big question is “yes.”
The slightly-longer answer, is “yes, but…” as in:
Yes, gamma seal lids are food grade, but only if they are used in tandem with food storage buckets with Gamma LidsⓇ that are properly secured (and undamaged/intact).
First things first, then: you’re going to need a food grade bucket.
How Can You Tell If a Bucket Is Food Grade?
If you’re wondering how to tell if a bucket is food grade, there are a few indicators to look for:
- If, on the bottom of the bucket you see an icon that looks like a cup and a fork, that indicates the bucket is made of food-safe materials.
- Similarly, you might see the words USDA approved or FDA approved, if the USDA (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture) or FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) have...well, approved.
- Check the plastic number, located in the middle of the bucket’s universal recycling symbol. This should be on the bottom of the bucket—it’s the familiar three-arrow symbol for recycling. Buckets made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are often food grade, as HDPE (#2 plastic) is best suited for long-term food storage. That being said, some buckets made of #1, #4, or #5 plastics may also be food grade.
- If you are buying a bucket brand new from the manufacturer, there may be a label or sticker on it to indicate whether it’s food grade or food safe.
What Is a Gamma Seal Lid, and What Is the Purpose of a Gamma Lid?
A food grade bucket won’t pose any immediate threat to food, but without an airtight and watertight lid on the bucket, the bucket should not be considered food grade. A properly-secured lid keeps air, water, and pests away from whatever you’re storing.
Now, not all bucket lids are the same. Have you ever tried to put a lid on a bucket, and wound up either incredibly frustrated or with a broken (and now useless) lid on your hands? A lot of bucket lids don’t fit perfectly—certainly not in an airtight, watertight manner. Snapping lids on, and fastening them all the way around, is an imprecise process that can result in an imperfect fit.
Gamma seal lids are different because they provide reliable protection against the elements. Two distinct features make them the go-to for sealing up a food grade bucket: the rubber gasket (a feature shared with many lid types) and the threading that makes the lid screw on rather than snap on. This makes proper securing and alignment of the lid a more fool-proof process.
How Do You Get the Gamma Lid on a Bucket?
There are two components to the process of attaching a gamma seal lid to your 5 gallon bucket. You’ll first need to attach the lid’s adapter ring to the brim of the bucket. The adapter ring may be something you align and then tamp down with a rubber mallet, or it may have a screw included for another level of security—or maybe even both.
The adapter ring converts the bucket’s brim to a threaded brim. Once it’s attached, you simply position the Gamma Lid over the (adapter-modified) brim, and then screw it on. Once it’s tight, you’re all set!
Do Gamma Lids Fit All 5 Gallon Buckets?
While not all gamma seal lids share identical dimensions, you should be able to find gamma seal lids to fit any type of 5 gallon bucket you’ve got.
When possible, to ensure a great fit, we recommend purchasing Gamma Lids from the same manufacturer or brand as the bucket. This way, compatibility won’t be a matter of chance or guesswork.
Who Makes Gamma Seal Lids in the USA?
At ePackageSupply.com, every product we manufacture and distribute is proudly made in the USA. As a veteran-owned company, it’s something that’s especially important to us. Head on over to our website to see our full range of food grade buckets and lids.
Whether you just need a single bucket or have a bulk order in mind, we’re here to be your one-stop-shop, so check us out today!
*ePackageSupply.com exclusively sells official Gamma Lid® products.