Canning and Fish Packaging Technology

Unit 3 - Unit operations in canning

3.2.4.Can closing or seaming of cans
It is essential to close the cans without inclusion of air as soon as exhausting is completed. The importance of this operation was realised by Nicholas Appert. According to him, the success of canning depends on how well the can was closed. Even very minute hole in the can or lid or the seam can spoil the food which was carefully prepared due to the entry of air and microorganisms. If the entry of air or microorganisms is not prevented, all the care and precautions taken during pre-processing and other operations go waste. Even thermal processing which will be done at a later stage will be a futile exercise.