As home gardeners and families prepare for canning season, the Richland County Extension Office is reminding residents to make sure their pressure canners are operating safely and accurately.
The Extension Office will offer free dial-gauge pressure canner testing on Wednesday, July 15, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Annual testing is recommended to ensure pressure canners are providing accurate readings and opperating correctly to help preserve food safely.
Residents who are unable to attend the testing event can drop off their gauges during regular business hours throughout the week. Each gauge should include the owner’s name and contact information so it can be returned during the July 15 pickup period.
Pressure canner testing is especially important before beginning a new canning season, as inaccurate gauges can affect processing times and food safety.
For additional information, residents can contact the Richland County Extension Office at 618-395-2191 or visit the office at 306 S. Fair St. in Olney.
The annual testing event provides local residents an opportunity to prepare their equipment before preserving garden produce and other foods throughout the summer months.
