Food Safety & Preservation

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Master Food Preserver Job Description

Apply to be a Master Food Preserver (Updated in February each year)

Raw Milk - Learn about home pasteurization!

Get Your Dial Gauges Tested Annually

For safe processing of low acid foods such as meat, poultry, fish and vegetables dial gauges on your home pressure canner must be tested every year for accuracy. Dial gauges should be retested again if bumped or dropped. If the dial is inaccurate by more than two (2) pounds OSU Extension recommends that it be replaced. Weighted gauges do not need testing.

To have your dial gauge tested for free; bring your pressure canner lid with the dial gauge or just the dial gauge to the Crook County, Deschutes County, Jefferson County or Warm Springs Extension office during the week. The lid/gauge will be ready to pick up later in the week. If you have questions or need a “same-day” appointment please call Pam Wiederholt at 447-6228 in Prineville, Glenda Hyde at 541-548-6088 in Redmond, Jill Eveland in Madras at 541-475-3808 or Donita Macy in Warm Springs at 541-553-3535.

Home canners should also inspect the gaskets on the pressure canner for wear and tear annually. Gaskets that are worn, stretched, cracked or hardened should be replaced. Replacement could occur every two to five years. If worn gaskets are used, the pressure canning process may fail or in some cases the gasket could “glue” the lid onto the canner! Replacement gauges and gaskets for pressure canners are usually available at hardware stores or where canning equipment and supplies are sold. Replacement parts could also be ordered from the manufacturer or on-line.

Hand Washing Lessons

OSU Extension seeks Master Food Preserver Volunteers ~ Apply by March 21.

If you’d like to learn safe food handling and preservation techniques and share your knowledge with others, consider becoming a Master Food Preserver (MFP) volunteer. The Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson county offices of the Oregon State University Extension Service are recruiting volunteers to participate in 48 hours of in-depth food safety and preservation training each year. The training sessions will be at the OSU/Deschutes County Extension office at the Fairgrounds in Redmond.

Volunteers will receive an extensive resource notebook with the latest and most reliable methods for preserving food at home. “Hands on” practice in the kitchen will help them learn the skills. The cost of the program is $50.00.

MFP volunteers help home food preservers avoid serious illness and avert food waste. Volunteers agree to spend at least 48 hours helping county residents handle and preserve food safely. Volunteer activities will include conducting workshops, testing pressure canner gauges, and staffing exhibit booths at county fairs.

The program benefits volunteers who find it rewarding to learn more about food safety and food preservation, make new friends, get work experience, and gain self-confidence. Volunteers are able to help others, use their skills in a meaningful way, and receive reliable, up-to-date information, which is based on US Department of Agriculture research.

Master Food Preserver Application

Master Food Preserver Brochure

Flavored Oils and Vinegars Class:


Alicia & Clara	Janelle, Alicia, Evelyn	Alicia, Beth, Christy, Maurice
Pressure Canning and Smoked Fish Public Workshop:

Bonnie, Sheri, Janet, Janelle & Laurie Smokin' Fish	Laurie, Judy, Janet, Sheri	Janet & Sheri