What You Should Know About Metal Syrup Cans
The Vermont Department of Agriculture recently issued a press release regarding several odoriferous metal syrup cans.
Q & A
Q. I heard there are some recent safety concerns with metal packaging that contains maple syrup. What is the issue?
A. The Vermont Department of Agriculture announced that trace amounts of petroleum distillate compounds were found in empty metal syrup cans. Specifically, pint and quart sized metal syrup cans that were distibuted in 2008 are in question. The distributor, New England Container Company, has agreed to cease and desist all sales and distribution of the cans.
Q. How great is the risk?
A. According to the Vermont Department of Agriculture and the Vermont Department of Health, the risk is negligible and is associated with the metal syrup cans only. Today, the majority of maple syrup is packaged in recyclable glass bottles and jugs. These packages are not in question. Less than 2% of maple in the entire industry is packaged in the metal syrup cans and is typically not found on grocery shelves.
Q. Is pure maple safe? Should I throw away the maple I currently have and not buy any more?
A. There is no reason to stop buying, eating or cooking with pure maple syrup. This is an isolated metal syrup can packaging issue affecting a small percentage of maple products. Syrup in glass bottles, jugs, and industrial drums are unaffected. Maple itself is as safe as ever.
Q. Does Coombs Family Farms or Brown Family Farm pack maple in the affected metal syrup cans?
A. Both Coombs Family Farms and Brown Family Farm long moved away from using metal syrup cans to ensure the highest quality maple. We use recyclable glass and plastic jugs for best maple taste. These containers are safe for maple packaging.
