Dial gauge testing to be held at Lamar Free Fair

LAMAR- Whether you are an avid canner or you only pull the canner out every now and then, it’s recommended to have your dial gauge tested for accuracy every year. The University of Missouri Extension office in Barton County offers this service for free.

This year, Lindsey Stevenson, county engagement specialist in nutrition and health, will be testing dial gauges for free during the fair. You can find her in Memorial Hall on Thursday, Aug. 26, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“No pre-registration is required. Just bring your dial gauge canner lid in and the test will take less than five minutes. It’s important to check the accuracy of your dial gauge so you’ll know you are canning at the recommended pressure level,” said Stevenson.

When home-canned goods don’t reach the recommended pressure level, canners can’t be certain that bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses have been killed. One of these, clostridium botulinum, is responsible for the severe and potentially deadly foodborne illness botulism. In addition to having your dial gauge tested annual, follow updated recipes from reputable sources like Ball Blue Book, The National Center for Home Food Preservation or MU Extension.