Is Hdpe Pipe Food Safe
Virgin hdpe is great for making food safe plastic containers since it resists corrosion doesn t absorb much moisture and doesn t leach chemicals.
Is hdpe pipe food safe. Hdpe can be dangerous during the manufacturing process if proper care and precautions aren t. The common 5 gallon bucket. They re made of 2 hdpe. Virgin or non recycled hdpe is food safe.
Ansi nsf 61 approved for potable water applications. Fda approved food grade bpa free unused polyethylene resin which is also. Is polypropylene bpa free. A food grade bucket or container might also be specifically marked as usda.
Untreated hdpe is considered safe for food contact. Nsf 51 is the code specifically used to designate food safety. If the bucket is considered food grade it is typically marketed as such and labeled food grade food safe etc. This means that you can determine which kind of pipes are safest based on these codes.
Hdpe resin is used to create corrosion resistant and non absorbent plastics. However it should be noted that while all food safe containers are made from hdpe not all hdpe is food safe. Hdpe pipe is resistant to many chemicals facilitating its use in process plants or around corrosive or acidic environments without needing to use protective coatings or galvanising as is required on steel pipes. Because food grade polyethylene virgin material is used to fabricate hdpe pipes they are safe for the transfer of potable water provided that any initial debris has been flushed out.
When it comes to recycled hdpe the fda has sanctioned it for use with food contact on a case by case basis for more than 20 years. The nsf has specific codes related to food safety and water safety. If the hdpe propile pipe is made of the following materials a tank made of hdpe is safe for storing drinking water and can safely drink the stored water. Some food grade buckets or containers will include a cup fork symbol as an indicator.
Additionally pvc has always been fda approved and never been subject to prohibitions of any sort. In fact hdpe is frequently used for packing food thanks to its compliance with regulations set out by the us food and drug administration.