OGLESBY - Enjoy the freshness of produce all year long when you preserve your food safely. University of Illinois Extension offers free pressure canner gauge and seal testing at local Extension offices in Oglesby, Ottawa, Princeton and Henry.

Ensure your home canning is safe by having your gauge tested annually to make sure it is operating at the correct pressure. Inaccurate pressure can cause food to not be processed at a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria and toxins. 

Testing this year will be done by calling Susan Glassman at (815) 224-0889 and scheduling a drop-off so your gauge and lid can be tested. Results will be given by phone and you may then pick up your equipment and have the peace-of-mind knowing you are preserving at the correct pressure and temperature.