Food preservation hotline begins July 14, July 2

The Oregon State University Extension Service will once again offer its summer food preservation and safety hotline for queries on proper canning techniques, safe recipes to follow and where to get pressure canner gauges tested locally.  The toll-free hotline, at 1-800-354-7319, runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday from July 14 to Oct. 17. Extension-certified Master Food Preserver volunteers from Lane and Douglas counties take the calls.  Proper techniques must be used to ensure canned foods are high quality and safe to eat. The hotline is one of several resources, including publications and classes, which OSU Extension offers on food safety.  Master Food Preservers who staff the hotline must undergo 40 hours of training. They educate the public about safe food handling and preservation over the phone and at workshops and exhibits. Last year, 460 new and veteran master food preservers throughout the state contributed 20,845 volunteer hours.  Master Food Preservers answered 2,262 calls during the 2013 summer season. About 80 percent dealt with food safety questions.  For food preservation information go to http://extension.oregonstate.edu/fch/food-preservation . OSU Extension’s Ask an Expert service also takes online questions about food preservation at http://bit.ly/OSU_AskAnExpert. Additionally, Master Food Preservers run a holiday food safety hotline every November.