Feed Grade vs Food Grade, What’s the Difference?

Updated: 5-30-2025

In the world of bulk packaging, especially when it comes to Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs), there’s a lot of industry lingo that can be confusing. One of the most common mix-ups? The terms “feed grade” and “food grade.” They sound similar, but they’re not the same—and knowing the difference matters, especially when safety and compliance are on the line.

Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.

What Does “Feed Grade” Mean?

Feed grade generally refers to products designed to be consumed by food animals, including pets, farm livestock, and even zoo animals. These bags don’t need to meet the same strict standards as those used for human food.

Here’s what that means:

• The materials used in feed grade bags might include recycled resins or other components that haven’t been certified as safe for people.
• The facilities where these bags are made don’t have to follow the same cleanliness or safety protocols as food-grade facilities.
• These bags are perfectly fine for animal feed, but they’re not approved for direct contact with food meant for human consumption.

So, feed grade is usually the more cost-effective and practical choice if the product is going to animals.

What About “Food Grade”?

Food grade bulk bags are a different story. These are made for handling products that people eat—things like sugar, flour, rice, spices, and nutritional supplements.

To be considered food grade, a bag must meet strict safety and cleanliness standards:

• They’re made from virgin resin, which means the plastic hasn’t been recycled and is free from unknown contaminants.
• They’re produced in certified cleanroom environments that are regularly inspected.
• Facilities are often certified by organizations like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), British Retail Consortium (BRC), or follow standards from the American Institute of Baking (AIB) or Safe Quality Food (SQF) programs.

Even though food-grade materials can contain trace amounts of things like mold (up to 100 parts per million), these levels are considered food safe and won’t harm consumers. These bags are also designed to handle a wide temperature range, depending on the type of food being stored or transported.

What Makes a Material “Food Safe”?

A food-grade material is one that’s been tested and approved for contact with food. That means it won’t leach harmful chemicals, break down under normal conditions, or react with the food it touches.

Some common food contact substances include:

• Polypropylene (used in many FIBCs)
• Polyethylene liners
• Coatings or additives that help preserve freshness or prevent contamination

Why the Difference Matters

Choosing between feed grade and food grade isn’t just about cost—it’s about safety, compliance, and making sure the right materials are used for the right job.

• If the product is going to animals, feed grade bags are usually fine.
• If the product is going to people, food grade bags are a must.

Using the wrong type of bag could lead to contamination, failed inspections, or worse—putting people’s health at risk.

How to Choose the Right Bulk Bag

When sourcing FIBCs, it’s important to ask a few key questions:

• What type of food or feed is going into the bag?
• Will the bag come into direct contact with food?
• What kind of temperature range will the bag be exposed to?
• Are there any regulatory requirements for the product being packaged?

Answering these questions can help determine whether a food-grade or feed-grade bag is the right fit.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between feed grade and food grade isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Whether you're in the food and beverages industry or working with animal feed, using the right kind of bulk bag helps protect your product, your customers, and your reputation.

Thanks for Reading! 

In today’s competitive food marketplace, IFS and other GFSI recognized accreditations are increasingly important and you need the right packing to ensure compliance.

With over 20 years of food industry experience, National Bulk Bag has the expertise to help you select the right food grade certified bag for your product.

Click the button below to download our Food Grade Buyer’s Guide. By downloading this guide, you will get access to our food grade comparison chart, things you should look for in a food grade supplier, and everything else you need to know about purchasing food grade bags.