Are Canning Lids Illegal?

Recently there has been some concern and confusion around whether canning lids may become illegal or banned in the United States. This question has emerged in light of some proposed regulations by the USDA around commercial canning standards. However, these proposed changes do not apply to at-home canning activities. The concern stems from misunderstandings around the scope and intent of the potential USDA regulations.

Some specific events have brought this question into the public discourse:

• In October 2022, the USDA published a proposed rule focused on updating regulations for commercial canning. This led to speculation about how it could impact home canners.
• Additionally, there are ongoing debates among home canners about the safety and effectiveness of certain types of reusable canning lids. This likely contributed to fears about lids being restricted.

With some rumors circulating, many home canners want to understand if any ban on canning lids could realistically occur. This article will explore the legal status, safety considerations, and expert opinions around modern canning lids.

History of Canning

Canning as a method of preserving food was developed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. As the Wikipedia article on canning explains, there were rising needs for food preservation at the time, both for navies and armies as well as the general population. Food preservation methods like salting, smoking, and pickling had been used for centuries, but were inadequate in terms of safety, transportation, and storage duration. The French government offered a reward in 1795 for a new method of food preservation, leading to Nicolas Appert’s development of canning and sterilization in 1809. Appert found that food heated in sealed glass jars did not spoil unless the seal was broken, and this became the basis for modern canning practices.

Canning expanded with the growth of industrial food processing in the 19th century. As early as 1812, the first American canning factory opened in New York City using tin-plated cans instead of glass jars. Through the 1800s, canning processes improved with innovations like the tin can, pressure canners, and sanitation practices. This allowed more foods like meat, fish, fruits and vegetables to be safely preserved in cans. By the late 1800s, commercial canneries and home canning were popular methods of food preservation that helped provide nutritious, safe food year-round.

Types of Canning Lids

There are several different types of canning lids available for home canning:

Regular Lids – These are the traditional single-use metal lids that come with a sealing compound on the underside. The lids are used in conjunction with the threaded canning bands to seal jars during the canning process. The sealing compound softens at high temperatures and creates an airtight seal as the jar cools, preventing recontamination. Regular lids can only be used once and then must be replaced for subsequent canning uses (Simply Canning).

Reusable Lids – These lids are made from plastic, glass, silicone or other materials and do not have a sealing compound. They are designed to be used repeatedly with proper care. Reusable lids often have rubber rings that help create a seal. Some types will work with the conventional canning process, while others require special equipment or techniques (Mason Jar Merchant).

The material the lid is made from affects its functionality. Plastic lids can warp over time with repeated high heat exposure. Silicone has greater heat resistance but may not create as tight of a seal. Glass and metal reusable lids are quite durable but sealing can be more finicky.

Canning Lid Regulations

There are currently no federal regulations prohibiting any specific type of canning lid in the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which provides guidelines and recommendations for home canning practices, does not have any bans or pending bans related to canning lids.

The USDA recommends using two-piece canning lids consisting of a flat metal disk and a screw band for safe home canning. The agency cautions against reusing lids, as the sealing compound wears out over time. They advise discarding any lids that are rusty, bent, or dented, as these may not create an airtight seal.

While some people have raised concerns over self-sealing lids that do not require screw bands, the USDA has not prohibited their use. However, the agency recommends testing new products for safety and following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Overall, it emphasizes that two-piece canning lids are a safe, reliable option with a long track record.

Some states or local municipalities may have regulations pertaining to home canning practices and approved equipment. However, at the federal level, there are currently no bans or restrictions around any specific type of canning lid.

For more info, refer to the National Center for Home Food Preservation’s recommendations on canning jars and lids.

Safety Concerns

While reusable canning lids like Tattler and Harvest Guard can save money compared to traditional disposable lids, some have raised concerns over their safety. The USDA recommends only using regulated, disposable lids for canning, as they are engineered specifically for thermal processing requirements (source).

The main safety issue cited with reusable lids is the risk of improper seals. Since the rubber rings on reusable lids degrade over time, they may fail to create an airtight seal on jars. This could lead to food spoilage or botulism poisoning. However, manufacturers of reusable lids claim their products are safe when properly maintained and used (source).

Another concern is that reusable lids are not recommended for pressure canning, only boiling water bath canning. The higher temperatures and pressures in pressure canners may cause seals to fail. More research may be needed on the efficacy and safety of reusable canning lids under pressure canning conditions.

While many home canners report success with reusable lids, experts recommend using proper canning techniques, checking seals, monitoring food acidity, and following all safety guidelines. Reusable lids may require extra diligence to ensure a safe final product.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of canning lids varies depending on the materials used. Traditional metal lids lined with resin containing BPA or phthalates can leach chemicals into food, especially acidic or fatty foods, according to EWG. Reusable plastic lids also raise concerns about chemicals leaching into food over time as the plastic degrades with repeated high heat sterilization. More eco-friendly options include stainless steel reusable lids, such as those from Tattler, or reusable glass and rubber lids. According to Penn State Extension, both reusable and single-use options come with tradeoffs between convenience, safety, and sustainability that consumers must weigh for themselves.

Economic Considerations

When it comes to canning lids, there are significant cost savings from reusing lids compared to using standard single-use metal lids. According to multiple sources, reusable lids like Tattler or Harvest Guard can be reused many times, with some reporting over 20 uses for a single lid (https://momwifehomesteadlife.com/which-reusable-canning-lids-work-the-best-a-review/). Since the rubber gasket is replaceable on these lids, the only recurring cost is a few cents per gasket. This compares very favorably to single-use lids which run around $0.55 per lid (https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2023/09/canning-lid-review.html).

For the average home canner who cans hundreds of jars per year, the cost savings of reusing lids can really add up. Over a few seasons, reusable lids pay for themselves many times over compared to using standard metal lids. Given that canning often provides cost savings on homemade foods versus store bought, reusable lids are an economical choice to maximize savings. Their environmental benefits of generating less waste are an added plus.

Legal Status

There is currently no ban on any type of canning lids by the USDA or other government agencies in the United States. While there has been some confusion around this topic, the USDA has not proposed or implemented any regulations that would make certain canning lids illegal to buy or use.

The source of the misconception seems to stem from updated USDA guidelines that recommend avoiding zinc-coated canning lids. The USDA provides criteria for safe home canning methods, and their updated guidance states that zinc-coated metal lids could react with acidic foods and lead to food poisoning. Therefore, they advise home canners to use other lid options. However, this does not equate to any type of ban.

As of July 2022, all canning lids remain legal for purchase and use in home canning across the United States. The choice of which type of canning lid to use is left up to the individual.

Sources:
https://www.greenmatters.com/sustainable-living/usda-banning-canning-lids
https://www.reddit.com/r/Canning/comments/ydgcyk/is_the_usda_considering_a_ban_on_canning_lids/

Expert Opinions

According to University of Georgia food safety expert Elizabeth Andress, “The sealing compound on canning lids is intended for one-time use only.” She adds, “Reusing lids may seem frugal, but saving money isn’t prudent if it puts your food safety at risk.”

Michigan State University Extension educator Joyce McGarry warns against reusing lids: “Bacteria are present everywhere, even on clean surfaces, and decomposing food provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Can lids contain a gasket which softens during canning to provide an airtight seal. It cannot do this effectively a second time.”

The National Center for Home Food Preservation states, “Lids consist of a flat metal lid held in place by a metal screw band during processing. The flat lid is coated with a gum compound that activates at high temperatures, allowing lid to vacuum seal.” They emphasize, “Screw bands and lids are NOT reusable.”

According to the USDA, “Do not reuse lids from commercially canned foods for foods you preserve. The rubberized flange on new, unused lids is required for a vacuum seal.” Reusing old lids can prevent a proper seal and lead to food spoilage.

Conclusions

Based on the research, analysis, and expert insights presented, there are a few key conclusions that can be drawn regarding the regulation and use of canning lids. While certain types of improperly made or used lids may raise safety issues, canning lids overall do not appear to be inherently dangerous or illegal when regulated and utilized appropriately.

Proper canning lid manufacturing, labeling, and safety testing is critical to prevent risks of contamination, spoilage or exposure to dangerous levels of toxins in home-canned foods. Reputable lid companies follow stringent industry standards, while caution should be exercised with generic, unlabeled or modified lids. When canning with approved, high-quality lids and adhering to tested canning methods, the process can be safe for preserving foods when done correctly.

Based on the scientific evidence and expert guidance, the recommended approach is not to ban or prohibit common canning lids overall. However, continued oversight and updating of canning standards is important, as is education on safe home canning methods. Consumers need access to clear guidelines on assessing lid quality, proper usage and testing seals. With the right regulatory protections and consumer awareness, canning can remain an effective and safe food preservation technique when accompanied by up-to-date lids designed for this purpose.