Canning and Fish Packaging Technology

Unit 3 - Unit operations in canning

3.2.2.3.Precautions to be taken during filling

• Labeling of the product should match the content of the can. The details such as gross weight, net weight, type of fish, type of filling media, size of pieces and nutritional weight, net weight of solids, number of pieces, size of pieces, type of filling media and nutritional value should be mentioned on the label of the can. The product when opened should match to the description given on the label. Hence care and accuracy of filling is required.
• Overfilling of solids or liquids should as it leads unsatisfactory thermal processing or under processing or thermal process failure.
• Inconsistency in the product with reference to appearance, color and quantity should be avoided.
• Care should be taken not to include undesirable and foreign materials such as dirt, shell, pieces of legs, hair or housefly or other insect parts. Also when solids without liquid medium are packed, air should not be entrapped at the bottom of the can.
• All the cans have to be packed uniformly with solids and liquids so that the head space is also uniform.
• The filling of the cans should be uniform for a particular type of canned fish. This will ensure consumer appeal.