To ensure safety in the home canning process, pressure canner dial gauges should be tested once per year. This canning season, University of Illinois Extension offers free dial gauge pressure canner testing at your local office.

Over time, the accuracy of a dial gauge can become inaccurate. If the pressure is lower than recommended, the internal temperature of the food will not be high enough to kill harmful bacteria.

Drop off your canner gauge to be tested at one of these locations. This service is free; you can pick up your gauge the next day with the results. Each office is open 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and is closed from noon to 1:00 p.m.

• Crawford County Extension Office, 216 S. Cross, Robinson, July 6
• Edgar County Extension Office, 210 W. Washington, Paris, July 8
• Clark County Extension Office, 15493 N. State Hwy 1, Marshall, July 12

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please call 217-826-5422. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.

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