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Reasons for Canning/Seal Failures

When screw bands are too tight, the lid will likely buckle causing seal failure.

Canning food at home is a great way to preserve fresh food and reduce food waste. But, if problems occur, that food is wasted. Of all reported canning failures, 99% are due to user error. Here are the most common reasons:

  • Following old or unsafe recipes
  • Using untested recipes
  • Using old, unsafe family canning methods
  • Using the wrong jar size
  • Using improper processing methods for the food being preserved
  • Storing the canned food in the wrong type of location such as the garage, shed, crawl space, etc.
  • Adjusting the screw band too tightly
  • Not adjusting for altitude

Source:  Newell Brands Inc., owners of Ball and Kerr products

 

About Karen Blakeslee

The Rapid Response Center was formed in 1995 as a resource for Kansas State University Research & Extension Agents. Resource topics included Food Science, Human Nutrition, Food Service, Textiles, Home Care and other consumer topics. Since that time, the Center has grown to be of valuable assistance to Kansas State University Extension Specialists in those areas.

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