N.Z. treacle tins safe

Press, 8 January 1983, Page 7

N.Z. treacle tins safe

PA Auckland New Zealand's treacle lovers are unlikely to come to a sticky end from exploding tins, says the Chelsea Sugar Refinery operations manager, Mr Brian Beale. His comments came after a warning from the police in Britain that treacle in tins could be a potentially dangerous explosive. The British police lifted the lid on the treacle danger when several persons needed hospital treatment after being injured by exploding treacle tins. Une woman

need four stitches in a gashed forehead. The London police said. “People must realise the danger of opening tins of treacle, especially if partly used. The treacle appears to expand when it comes in contact with the air.” Mr Beale said, however, that he had never heard of anyone being injured by exploding treacle in New Zealand. “It has been made here for more than 100 years,” he said. About 20ii tonnes ot treacle was sold in New

Zealand each year, mostly in drums for industrial cook ing. Mr Beale said the fermentation of the thick syrup i could cause gas to build up i inside a tin. “However, | treacle lids sold here are just ■. pressed on; they would just j be pushed up if pressure I built up. Maybe the tins sold 1 overseas have soldered lids, i in which case they would be i like a sealed pressure j vessel.” he said. I