Are one-piece lids approved for water bath canning? Also, are they acceptable for products sold at farmer's markets or at our farm store?
Lids for home canning
Single-piece lids have not been adequately tested for use in home canning by the National Center for Home Food Preservation. In addition, one-piece lids are not typically used for water bath canning. It can be difficult to apply the correct amount of force to the lid so that it is not over or under-tightened.
For more information, check out the following resource:
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Recommended Jars and Lids, National Center for Home Food Preservation
Lids for commercial products
There is no specific language in the Oregon Farm Direct Law that prevents producers making products under this licensing exemption from using one-piece lids for naturally acidic foods like jams and jellies or for lacto-fermented foods. The requirement for these products is that they are processed in a "clean, healthful, and sanitary manner." If you are making acidified foods like pickles, chutneys, or salsas, these must be processed using a published process and recipe. All of the current published processes that have been approved for use under the OR farm direct law recommend using a two-piece lid.
If you need more information about the farm direct law as it applies to producer processed products, see the following publication:
- Oregon's Farm Direct Marketing Law: A guide for farmers and market managers, OSU Extension Service
