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Caning trouble! #881066

Asked August 11, 2024, 6:23 PM EDT

My pressure gage stopped working immediately after I had the it packed and Ready. I vented it for 10 minutes and tried to bring it up to 10 lbs…but my gage would not give me a reading -so I just let it go for 100 minutes. Is it okay? Can I redo it using another canner? The tuna looks great, and the jars all sealed….Im unsure what to do! $100 of tuna!

Curry County Oregon

Expert Response

You can't be sure your tuna in safe unless you know the pressure for sure so you know the temperature reached 240 degrees for the full 100 minutes.  Botulism is odorless, tasteless and deadly.  If you can reprocess them with 24 hours you will be safe and can save your tuna.  Be sure to use new lids and if there is liquid loss you might add a little water or oil so your tuna won't be too dry.  

If you don't have a working canner then freeze your tuna if it is within 24 hours.  

I would suggest you get a weighed 3 part gauge for your canner, then you would not rely on the gauge but the rocking of the weighted gauge.  It is much easier to regulate the pressure with the weighted gauge.  If you order one to go on your canner order from Presto or the canning company that made your canner because some of the generic ones that look like they are made by the canning company are made in China and not working well.  

Hope that helps.  Thanks for using Ask Extension.  Hope you can salvage your tuna.  

Thanks for using Ask Extension

Nellie Oehler 
An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 12, 2024, 1:17 PM EDT
Thank you -thank you!!!!
Very helpful, and very much appreciated!
Susan Fowler

On Mon, Aug 12, 2024 at 10:17 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 6:41 PM EDT

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