Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 38, Number 83, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 July 1906 — POTTED MEAT NOT PRESERVED. [ARTICLE]

POTTED MEAT NOT PRESERVED.

Manufacturers' Auaoctation anil Sanitary In.pector So Report. The following extracts from reports of the National Manufacturers’ Association and Insjtector Hedriek, Sanitary Inspector of the City of Chicago, refute the sensational charges made against the canned meat packers: Our investigation of the Canned and Potted Meat part of the packing industry showed that the methods used make the use of preservatives unnecessary, and indicated that no preservatives or artificial coloring is now used by the Canned Meat packer. The meat is first partially cooked in large kettles, then the fat and bone is trimmed off and the meat packed into tins. The air is then withdrawn with vacuum pumps and the cans sealed in vacuum. Next they are put into large cookers, where the cooking process is finished. In the packing of some products it is necessary that the can# be reopened and the ateam allowed to escape, the vent hole being immediately rescaled while the goods are hot, so as to retain the vacuum. The entire process is quite similar to that used by the family cook when putting up fruits and vegetables, except that meats are sealed in tin cans instead of being put in glass Jars. We found that the solder in making the cans and in sealing them is all placed on the outside of the can and does not come in contact with the contents. We were informed Jhat much of the cause for complaint in canned meats was because of the mistaken idea that the goods would keep in perfect condition after they had been opened. This would be the fact if they were preserved with chemicals, but as they are only kept in condition because of being scaled in vacuum tins they spoil just as readily as fresh meats do after they have been opened and exposed to the air, but will keep indefinitely if the can Is not punctured. It is also a well-known scientific fact that decaying meat generates a gas which will explode any package which Ta hernieHcinTy ~sealed. Sanitary Inspector Hedrick submitted to Commissioner Whalen his analysis of conditions in the Libby, MoNeill & Libby p|ant. He found "with reference to general conditions, that the floors, halls, stairs, tables, etc., are kept eleaa.” and “that the entire department—viewed from our standpoint—was in a satisfactory condition. All workrooms are light, and have good ventilation.’’