Isabella Woodhouse wrote:
> In article >,
> Melba's Jammin' > wrote:
>
>> I received a letter today that contained two $5 coupons for Kerr jars.
>> This is partial text of the letter: "Our quality assurance team examined
>> the sample products and reviewed the written information then submitted
>> their findings. The issues related to smooth embossing and glass
>> imbedded in the body of the jar are considered cosmetic flaws by the
>> manufacturer. Jars with cosmetic flaws are suitable to use for fresh
>> preserving.
>>
>> An examination of the shattered jar and dented lids and bands showed
>> this damaged (sic) occurred during shipping or warehousing. Although we
>> have quality inspection on our production and packaging lines, we are
>> unable to control all the outside factors that come in contact with our
>> products. But, you helped us isolate an area of distribution that needs
>> our further attention. Our operations group will receive this feedback
>> so they can take the necessary steps to ensure our reach (sic) the store
>> shelf without damage.
>>
>> Jar breakage that occurs during or just after processing is related to
>> thermal shock. It is attributed to such factors as invisible stress or
>> scratches on the glass or temperature differentials. Lids not sealing
>> may be the result of many minor concerns. Overall we have not seen an
>> increase in the number of non sealing lids reported this year."
>>
>> In my reply I asked yet again where the jars are manufactured.
>>
>> FWIW.
>
> Well it sounds like short shrift to me. It tests the imagination to
> wonder just how they can shrug off responsibility for shipping damage
> when you consider the shoddy way the jars are packed. That thin plastic
> covering is no protection and even the cardboard "tray" seems
> unstructural w/o the plastic shrink wrap. Maybe with the increase in
> home preserving, there might arise a little competition. That the rings
> are going to be easily dented in such a "package" is a no-brainer. So
> they obviously don't care.
>
> Isabella
When your consider that Jarden Corp. owns the Ball, Kerr, Bernadin lines
plus owns Sunbeam Corp., plus the Foodsaver Corp., plus Diamond Matches
and lots of other consumer products they probably figure that they can
get away with anything they want. We can always buy no name canning jars
from some of the on line vendors and then we truly don't know where they
came from or that they're even approved for pressure or BWB canning.

I visited a site the other day where some couple had bought 2000 canning
jars at an auction, some of which were antiques but most were good to
go. Maybe that's what we should all do. Yeah, that's the ticket, I think
I'll go visit all the thrift shops in the area tomorrow and see what may
be floating around. Doesn't do much good to go to garage or yard sales
unless you know someone is getting rid of mom's canning stuff.