[tenderness]

Really glad I found this forum - I'm appreciating all the advice and wisdom here

My labelling of recent batches of chutneys and jams has revealed a poor seal on some kiln jars, even with heat processing    

Made over recent weeks, I guess I have to bin the contents. I've observed with interest that the only jars to guarantee a seal are those posh French ones (are we allowed to name brands on here). They are airtight as can be.
Any ideas where I went wrong with the others? Not much cheaper, same design.

[Fenland Girl]

Have to admit I only ever use old shop jam jars for my preserving - and have never had a bad batch yet! I just make sure jars and lids are well sterilised - I wash them in baby Milton fluid, then put them in a warm oven for half an hour, pot up when jars are still hot. I sometimes use wax discs, sometimes not. All very lo-tech but seems to work for me!

[DD.]

I also use the low tech method of old coffee jars & cling film. Never had a problem!

[GrannieAnnie]

I too am low tech with the odd Kilner jar thrown in.  I've had the occasional hiccough, but usually everything is fine, I've even still got a jar of rhubarb and ginger jam which I made in 2003 and is in an old jam jar and its still fine.

Sounds like your jar didn't seal properly, perhaps contents weren't hot enough or jar not warm enough?

[tenderness]

GrannieAnnie, DD and Fenland Girl thanks.

I'm thinking low-tech is the way forward. Funny how discs and cling seem to work fine with jams, and good old jars and lids with chutneys. Kilner jars, I just don't know. Too much fuss (and expense) I reckon. But yes, I'm guessing either jars or contents not hot enough. Perhaps both.

Is there a home testing kit for botulism?  

[DD.]

Is there a home testing kit for botulism?  

Yes - eat the stuff & then wait.

[chrissie B]

i too have had a problem or two , now i cut a square of the waxed baking sheet and put that over the jar then screw the lid on then cut around the edges to make a frill , looks ok and gives a better seal , pity there wasent coloured cooking paper.
chrissie b

[tenderness]

DD LOL  

Chrissie B sounds v creative - I'm keen to try out these suggestions, thanks

[Aunt Sally]

Although Clostridium botulinum spores are fairly heat resistant the toxin is very heat labile so a good boil up before eating the bottled food will remove any danger  

[muntjac]

kilner jars are very cheap in .QD 's stores at the minute.. large £2.49 p

[Aunt Sally]

I got some large ones in our local cheapo shop for £2.00.  Just right for my pickled shallots