Resource: Safe Packaging Option Summary—

Packaging Option Summary—
approved by the Bishops’ Storehouse Services

Important Information—It was once thought that rubber-gasket food-grade buckets using oxygen absorbers
were safe for longer-term storage until new information was received from the Bishops’ Storehouse Services
explaining that the plastic buckets are porous which allows the transfer of gases over time.

All containers must be stored in a dry place at or below 75 degrees F (24 degrees C) away from heat
sources and off of concrete surfaces. When using oxygen absorbers, the nitrogen left inside any container
will not kill the food borne insect eggs. Opened containers of any food product using any of the approved methods are expected to be used in a reasonable amount of time. It is unknown how long it takes for eggs to hatch and the insects to eat the product.

Some grains and legumes can be stored safely for 30+ years, but ideally, we would be using it up and ordering new product before that long.

Food Storage Options—See page Plastic Buckets for Longer-Term Food Storage for complete explanation of information obtained.

Bucket Option 1:
Food-grade viable rubber gasket plastic buckets using dry ice as directed. Kills food borne insects and the eggs. Once bucket is opened and oxygen is reintroduced food is still safe unless new bugs are allowed to enter container through bad seal or negligence.  See Resource--Dry-Pack Food Storage Using PETE Plastic Containers for more information.

Bucket Option 2: Food-grade viable rubber gasket plastic buckets using commercial food-grade Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers (6 per 5 gal bucket). The lack of oxygen kills the insects, but not the eggs. If

the seal using the household iron fails or when oxygen is reintroduced to the container of food by opening container, the food borne insects may hatch.

Mylar bags and other food storage items may be purchased online at this or other online websites—

SorbentSystems.com

SurvivalUnlimited.com

FrontierSurvival.net

FrugalSquirrels.com

BePrepared.com

Bucket Option 3: (only option not approved by Bishops’ Storehouse Services) Food-grade viable rubber gasket plastic buckets using oxygen absorbers (6 per 5 gal bucket) alone may be safe while sealed; however, over time oxygen will be slowly re-introduced through the porous plastic bucket and cause food borne insect eggs to hatch.  NOT SAFE FOR LONG-TERM STORAGE.  However, if you are using the product fast enough, eggs will not likely have time to hatch.

#10 can: Safe for longer-term storage. Cans are not rust proof.

Mylar Pouches: Safe for longer-term storage.  These reusable pouches are not rodent proof ; it is recommended that pouches are stored in a container that will prevent rodent entry if rodents are a concern in your area.

PETE Containers: Safe for longer-term storage. These containers are reusable. Check to be sure lids/seals

are not damaged and containers are not broken. Follow usage instructions in Plastic Buckets for Longer-Term Food Storage.

Canning Jars: Safe for longer-term storage when using new lid and a fresh oxygen absorber. Only concern

is possibility of breakage if living in areas prone to earthquakes, etc. Breakage may also happen during a move or other circumstances.

 

Source: Juanita Smith