Food Safety

Food-Grade IBC Compliance Checklist

Practical steps to keep reused IBC totes compliant with FDA and GMP expectations for food-contact applications.

July 22, 20256 min read

Core Compliance Steps

  • Document chain of custody and previous contents for every food-grade tote.
  • Use virgin HDPE bottles or certified liners; avoid recycled content for direct food contact.
  • Perform triple-rinse and sanitize with food-safe agents; validate residue-free status.
  • Pressure-test valves and gaskets; replace with food-grade components as needed.
  • Maintain segregated storage for food-grade inventory to prevent cross-contamination.

Documentation to Keep on File

  • Cleaning & Sanitization Record (date, agent, concentration, technician)
  • Pressure/Leak Test Record (PSI, duration, pass/fail)
  • Previous Contents Declaration and SDS (if applicable)
  • Valve/Gasket Replacement Log with part numbers
  • Food-Grade Certification Statement for liners or bottles

Inspection & Release

Before release, verify odor-free interior, intact bottle, clean exterior, legible grade labeling, and tamper-evident seal on valve. Record batch ID to maintain traceability.

Need Certified Food-Grade Totes?

We stock FDA-compliant, food-grade IBC totes with cleaning validation records and chain-of-custody documentation ready to ship.