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Can I Re-Can Commercial Food Products?

Pressure canning
Starting with fresh food will give the best quality and flavor after canning.

While it may seem like a good idea, this is not a recommended practice.

For example, to take a commercial salsa and re-can it into smaller jars can lead to some issues. They include:

  • It is unknown what the original processing method or time was for the product.
  • The original label and information is no longer there.
  • If ingredients and allergens are not noted, someone could have serious health complications.
  • If the original product is subject to a recall, how would these be traced?
  • Re-processing will also negatively change the texture and flavor.

A better option is to contact the original company to see if they offer smaller sizes or gift options. A small business may be able to accommodate these requests.

 

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.