Should I use this HDPE container?? Dangers?

[all_about_stouts]

Ok well I got a really awesome container, but after doing research, I'm now beginning to question whether I should use it.

I bought it at Whole Foods and it's purpose it to carry water. You're supposed to fill it up with water and take it home. It's a 5 gallon capacity and it fits absolutely perfectly in my mini fridge with no modifications.

I would really like to use this container. It has a spigot and it's the right dimensions. The problem is, it doesn't say that it's "food grade" plastic anywhere on it and I read that it makes a difference. It's made out of HDPE (#2 recycling code), but it still doesn't say food grade.

Why do people say not to use it if it doesn't say food grade? Should I return it try to find something else?

 

[ChuckO]

Most of the containers used for brewing don't say "Food Grade" anywhere on them. Generally recycle code #1 or #2 are perfectly safe as long as they aren't dyed. I would think that a container made for water storage would not leach out anything harmful.

 

[reefriot]

Most of the containers used for brewing don't say "Food Grade" anywhere on them. Generally recycle code #1 or #2 are perfectly safe as long as they aren't dyed. I would think that a container made for water storage would not leach out anything harmful.

Your fine. If its sold for water its food grade unless it states non potable water on it.

 

[all_about_stouts]

Ok thanks for the advice. I am limited on space in my mini fridge and this fits perfectly and it was really cheap. The only other option I have is maybe a bucket but I don't like the lid. This one has a screw top about 3 inches in diameter and I think it seals quite well.

The only glass option I have is the big mouth bubbler http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/big-mouth-bubbler-5-gallon.html but it might not fit in my fridge and I would have to modify it.

 

[all_about_stouts]

Your fine. If its sold for water its food grade unless it states non potable water on it.

I really want you to be right about this, but I'm skeptical because they also sell water jugs made out of #7. And I don't think those are food grade.

 

[SpeedYellow]

I really want you to be right about this, but I'm skeptical because they also sell water jugs made out of #7. And I don't think those are food grade.

I can't imagine they sell a water jug that isn't food grade. Surely that would be illegal, if not there's something seriously wrong with this country.

 

[dirkomatic]

Could you upload a picture of this container?

 

[all_about_stouts]

I'll post a picture later. It's made by Culligan, and it's a cube, about 10W x 10L. It translucent (clowdy white plastic) and they sell them in Whole Foods in the water aisle.

 

[Rivenin]

does it look like this?

Winco has them as well if it is them

i've fermented a few things in them when i have no more space and i'm in a rush.... i haven't left anything in there long term, but i've never had one issue with taste.
If you drill out the spigot hole up top, it fits a 6.5 bung pretty nicely

Also, if it is that one, you should be able to no-chill and ferment in the same vessel!

 

[jleiii]

If you drill out the spigot hole up top, it fits a 6.5 bung pretty nicely

I have one just like it that I use on the 'hump' side of my chest cooler for lagering. I drilled the cap for a 3 pc airlock and push it all the way down and it -just- clears the sliding top. It's not a chest freezer but a display freezer - only difference is the top as best I can tell. Chest freezers may have more clearance.
I only use it when I'm doing a 2nd lager in the cooler. So far no indication of flavor issues.