Dry Pack Storage in Plastic Buckets

DRY-PACK OF BULK STORAGE FOOD ITEMS IN PLASTIC BUCKETS

For plastic buckets to be used as dry food storage containers, they should be made of food grade plastic and have a gasketed lid.  Carbon dioxide is an effective treatment method for preventing weevil infestation in dry pack items stored in plastic buckets.

The presence of carbon dioxide in concentrations above 3% is adequate to kill weevils.  Treatment methods which depend on the absence of oxygen to kill weevils, such as oxygen absorbers and nitrogen gas flushing are not always effective in plastic buckets due to the potential for oxygen leakage.

The two common methods of CO₂ treatment of buckets are dry ice and gas flushing.

                    INSTRUCTIONS FOR DRY ICE TREATMENT OF DRY PACK BUCKETS

1.         Use approximately 1 oz. Of dry ice/gallon container size.

2.         Wipe frost crystals from the dry ice using a clean towel.

3.         Place the dry ice in the center of the container bottom.

4.         Pour the food on top of the ice and fill the container to within 1/2" to 1" of the top.

5.         Place the lid on top of the container and snap it down only about 1/2 way around the container.

6.         Allow  CO₂ gas to escape from the partially sealed lid as the dry ice evaporates.

7.         Allow the dry ice to evaporate completely before sealing.  To see if the ice is all gone, feel the bottom of the container.  If it is still very cold, it has not all evaporated.

8.         Monitor the container for a few minutes after sealing the lid.  If bulging occurs, slightly lift the edge of the lid to relieve pressure.

9.         It is normal for the lid of the bucket to eventually pull down slightly as a result of the partial vacuum caused when the CO₂ is absorbed into the product.

             INSTRUCTIONS FOR CO₂ GAS FLUSHING OF DRY PACK BUCKETS

1.         Set up the gas flushing equipment using a cylinder, pressure regulator, and a probe equipped with a pipe extension to reach the bottom of the bucket.

2.         With the probe valve open, adjust the regulator to the setting specified:

Granular product (Wheat, Beans, Etc.) 20 lbs.

Powdered products (Milk, Flour, Etc.) Approximately 3 lbs.

3.         Fill the buckets to within 1/2" to 1" of top.

4.         Gas flush product with carbon dioxide.  Insert the probe to the bottom of the bucket.  With the hand valve open, move the probe up and down in a circular motion for the time specified:

Granular products - gas flush for 5 seconds.

Powdered products - gas flush for 20 seconds.

5.         Seal lid immediately on bucket.

6.         Wipe off probe with a dry towel when changing from one product to another to avoid cross contamination of products.

                                                                   CAUTIONS

Use CO₂ in well ventilated areas only.

Wear gloves when handling dry-ice.

Dry-pack only products that are on the approved products list.

Avoid exposing products to humid, damp conditions when dry-packing.

Water Storage

WATER  STORAGE

Why Store Water

Natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes may pollute or disrupt water supplies.  Water is more essential in sustaining life than food so it is wise to store at least a two-week supply.  The recommended quantity for this time period is 14 gallons per person.  To protect the quality of the water it must be pure to start with, and stored in containers that will protect both flavor and purity.

Pre-Storage Treatment

Water for storage should be treated to prevent build up of bacteria and/or algae.  This can be accomplished by adding:

·         Household bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite)

8 drops per gallon or 2 teaspoon per 5 gallons.

Let stand for 30 minutes before use.

·         Storage Containers

Good water storage containers will be airtight, resistant to breakage, heavy enough to hold the water, and have a lining that won't rust or affect the flavor of the water.  The following containers meet these criteria:

·         Clear Plastic Pop or Juice Bottles These containers are made of food grade plastic.  Clean and sanitize the bottles prior to use.

·         Water Beds  A double water bed holds about 200 gallons of water.  Do not use for drinking or cooking.  This water contains an algicide, but can be used for washing or sanitation.

·         Water Heater  It is important to close the inlet valve immediately after the water supply is disrupted.

·         Heavy Plastic or Fiberglass Drums  Heavy plastic or fiberglass drums.  These containers must be food grade, and be cleaned and sanitized prior to use.

·         Mylar Bags in a Box  These normally hold 4-5 gallons and have the advantage of stacking well.

·         Bleach Bottles  Bleach bottles are not good for storing water for drinking or cooking, but are good for storing water for other uses.

Notes

Store water containers away from light.  It is best to store water in areas where leakage, should it occur, will not cause damage.  Stored water will taste better if it is aerated prior to drinking.  To aerate water, pour it back and forth between two containers for several minutes.  This will help to add air back into the water and dissipate chlorine.