| Can Ball home canning recipes be contaminated by | | | | them at this temperature until they are used, |
| bisphenol A (BPA)? | | | | removing one at a time as needed. DO NOT boil lids.o |
| Let me first say the short answer is NO, absolutely | | | | If jars are used for any recipe that is processed less |
| not. Then let me say that bisphenol A will be the | | | | than 10 minutes, the jar must be sterilized.o To |
| next in a long line of food scares created by mass | | | | sterilize jars, boil for 10 minutes.o Allow sterilized jars |
| production of plastics. | | | | to remain at a simmering temperature until they are |
| I understand your concern regarding recent reports | | | | used. |
| from Canada about BPA found in some plastic food | | | | Can fruit be safely canned without the addition of |
| contact products. Bisphenol-A is a synthetic chemical | | | | sugar? |
| compound primarily used to make polycarbonate | | | | Yes of course! Ball home canning recipes are the |
| plastic containers. Please be assured that Ball home | | | | simple way to reduce the amount of sugar in your |
| canning food storage containers (freezer containers | | | | diet. Fruit must be fully ripe, firm and at it's most |
| freezer jars) and plastic food contact articles (cutlery, | | | | flavorful. Water or sugar-free fruit juice can be used |
| straws, serving/canning utensils and canning storage | | | | instead of sugar syrup. Use only the Hot Pack |
| caps) do not contain Bisphenol-A (BPA). | | | | method when canning fruit without sugar. Artificial |
| What are the key steps to follow when preparing Ball | | | | sweeteners can also be used. Add it immediately |
| home canning recipes?o Always follow the specific | | | | before serving canned fruit. Or how about spices, |
| instructions for selecting, cleaning, and preheating jars, | | | | herbs and flavoring extract to enhance the flavor of |
| lids and bands.o Always refer to the manufacturer's | | | | fruits without sugar. |
| instructions. If you don't have these then here are | | | | How can I know if a home canning recipe is safe to |
| the basics.o Select home canning jars that have no | | | | use? |
| visible. Bands should slide on without signs of warping | | | | Always check any home canning recipes regardless |
| or corrosion.o Wash jars, lids and bands in hot soapy | | | | of the source. In 1989, the USDA updated their |
| water. Rinse well. Dry bands; set aside.o Jars and lids | | | | home canning guidelines. Therefore be suspicious of |
| must be preheated and kept hot until they are used. | | | | any home canning recipe that you cannot date after |
| To preheat jars and lids completely submerge them | | | | 1989. Be sure the canning book or recipe you use |
| in water that has been brought to a simmer.o Keep | | | | complies with the latest guidelines. |