Please be careful with new canning jars!

Gail H

Our grocery store had Ball canning jars yesterday so I purchased a case each of wide mouth pints and wide mouth quarts. I am canning chicken and want to do beef stew next week.

As I was getting everything ready, I checked all of the jars. I even thought how silly that was since they are brand new, but I decided to not take any short cuts, since I don't want to get out of the habit of doing things properly. I'm glad that I did because one of the jars had a very pronounced bulge outward where the screw band is and another had excess glass on one side of the bottom- sort of like it was tilted while still molten. I assume that there is a corresponding deficit of glass somewhere in the jar. I am afraid that both of these jars have weak spots and will not hold up to pressure canning. One of the lids had a small spot without the proper finish as well.

I called the company and they do not issue refunds, but they are sending me a coupon. They did ask me to send them pictures of the defects. I'm not sure how to take pictures of clear glass jars that will show them, but I'll try.

I think that in the rush to restock shelves some quality control might have fallen through the cracks. Just wanted to give everyone a heads up.

Michelle D

@Gail H I noticed a problem with a few jars that I purchased on Monday. One of them had a chipped rim, and the other had pitting in the branding on the side of the jar. I also speculated that it could be that they are rushing to fill orders.

John

Thanks a bunch for the insight and update. Was just talking about canning the other day and wondering where we might look for supplies as there has been as we all know a rush on them. I believe you are correct that the companies are letting quality control go bye-bye!

dipat2005

Thanks to all of you for your insight and wisdom. We are at least aware of problems that might be in out future. I have been buying my coconut oil in pint jars and I used some in the canning process this year. They won't fit into my pint jar box because they are taller a full 16oz jar. I was rather surprised!

DurwardPless

Thank you for your post. I always considered myself an optimist but find myself quickly reversing direction. Sad.

annbeck62

Ball jars used to be easy to get for me. This weekend I went to replenish and several places I used to be able to buy them have discontinued. I finally found some. They were almost out so I've never been a hoarder but I bought way more than I need. Haven't checked them for defects yet. Hopefully it won't be a problem.

Lisa K

I completely forgot that the woman who owned my house before me liked to can things and when I moved in (over 20 years ago) I put some unused jars in the garage which I recently found! I was able to get some lids (I went for plastic ones that I use on items for storage instead of canning) and I have discovered that if they do not specifically say Ball then chances the lids will not work.

SherryA

Yikes! Thanks for the heads up. When I finally found some new jars I grabbed 3 cases. I'll be sure to check them.

VermontCathy

I cut myself on the rim of a canning jar that was missing a small splinter of glass. This jar was bought before COVID, and it's possible that I chipped it myself.

Be very careful to inspect your jars before and after using them, and discard any that are cracked, chipped, misshapen, or flawed in any way.

dipat2005

Thanks for the tips and ideas. I will be sure to inspect my jars thoroughly this canning season.

water2world

@Gail H Thanks---I am glad you checked!

Now, if I ever find some in stock, I will double check!

JennyT Upstate South Carolina

I was able to find some jars in stock and bought several half gallon cases for storage and another case of quarts. But I'll be thoroughly inspecting them all now. Thank you everyone for the heads up. 😊

herbantherapy

Yikes! Thanks for the heads up @Gail H!!

I bought a ton of tattler lids and have ordered regular canning lids. Next I need to inventory my jars. And inspecting any new ones!!