Can Foods Safely this Summer with Free Pressure Canner Test from Extension

[May 03, 2018] 

Preserving homegrown fruits and vegetables by canning them at the end of the season is good for you, good for your wallet and reduces your environmental impact. But if your pressure canner lid gauges are inaccurate it can also be risky. To ensure safety in the home canning process, pressure canner lid gauges should be tested annually.

This canning season, University of Illinois Extension would like to help you be safe by providing free gauge tests. Over time, a dial gauge’s calibration can become inaccurate. If the pressure is even slightly lower than recommended, the internal temperature of the food will not be high enough to kill all the bacteria and harmful toxins can build up and cause illness or death.

Sign-up for a time to have your pressure canner gauge(s) tested on May 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sangamon County Extension Office, 700 S. Airport Drive, Springfield by calling 217.782.4617. Testing may take up to 15 minutes. Participants who can’t make it on the 24th, may drop off their pressure canner lid(s) and gauge(s) at the Springfield office before May 24 or at the Logan County Extension office at 980 N. Postville Dr. Lincoln, IL by May 18. Participants can then pick up their tested canner at a later date.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please call 217.782.4617.

[Terri Miller, MPA
County Extension Director - Unit 16]