Difference btwn. food grade and 'normal' DE???

[georgialee]

The co-op near us has DE that is for gardens, etc. It doesn not say food grade on it. What is the difference? Is this still okay to sprinkle in their bedding and put in their dustbath? Thanks!

 

[Backyard Hencam]

I'm sorry to be of no help at all. I was curious about this myself. Folks have been firm about the importance of it being food grade so there must be a reason. I'll check back to see if you get an explanation.

 

[Judy]

I don't think so, but check the label. If it is the right kind, the bag will say chemical codex food grade.

Here is a good explanation of the different kinds of DE:

http://www.freshwaterorganics.com/what_is_de.htm

 

[georgialee]

Quote:
thanks! I had DH get a bag anyway just so I could check it myself.

 

[sbennett]

garden grade will cause harm if eaten - food grade won't

 

[speckledhen]

Pool filter grade is poisonous for them to eat, while food grade is just that, for putting in feed to keep out it dry and bug free. I wouldn't even put pool type DE in my birds dustbaths.

 

[georgialee]

Quote:
If it's the stuff to be used for gardens (that's how it's labeled) is it pool grade?

 

[georgialee]

This is exactly what I have right now: http://www.milkyspore.com/insectdust.htm

Their new packaging is this: http://www.stgl.us/gstore/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=46&idproduct=4023 and from what I can see the ingredient label is exactly the same. The product info says food grade.

What do y'all think?

 

[georgialee]

Does anyone have any idea on whether I can use this DE or not based on my past post? I really really appreciate it

 

[annek]

It says it is made from food grade DE so that part is fine. What I can't find is what else is in it, if that is all then it is just a more expensive way to buy food grade DE. If you can find someone who carries it, you can get 50# for not much more.