Terms of Service

Last updated: 2026-05-27

Plain-language summary: Use HarvestGuide.ca for information, not as a substitute for tested recipes from Bernardin or Health Canada. Follow the food-safety section seriously — home canning carries real risks. We disclaim liability for outcomes; you are responsible for your own kitchen.

1. Acceptance of these terms

By accessing or using HarvestGuide.ca (the “Site”), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”). If you do not agree, do not use the Site.

2. Purpose of the Site

The Site is an informational resource about home preserving methods used in Canada — water-bath canning, pressure canning, freezing, dehydrating, fermenting, and root cellaring. It is not professional, medical, legal, or culinary advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

3. Food-safety disclaimer (read this section)

Home canning can be dangerous if done incorrectly. Improperly processed low-acid foods can produce Clostridium botulinum toxin (botulism), which is odourless, tasteless, and can be fatal.

HarvestGuide.ca publishes methods drawn from Health Canada and Bernardin. You are responsible for:

• Following a tested recipe from a recognized Canadian source for every canning batch.
• Adjusting processing time or pressure for your altitude.
• Using jars, lids, and equipment as the manufacturer intends.
• Inspecting every jar before consuming the contents and discarding any with broken seals, off odours, bulging lids, foam, or visible mould.

If you suspect a foodborne illness, contact your provincial public health authority or call Health Canada. If you believe you have ingested botulism toxin, this is a medical emergency — call 911 or go to an emergency department.

Content on the Site is provided as a starting point. It does not replace your own judgement, the latest edition of the Bernardin Complete Book of Home Preserving, or guidance from Health Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), or your provincial public health authority.

4. No warranty

The Site and its content are provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranty of any kind, whether express, implied, or statutory. We do not warrant that the content is complete, accurate, current, or fit for any particular purpose. We do not warrant uninterrupted or error-free operation of the Site.

5. Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, HarvestGuide.ca, its operators, contributors, and affiliated parties shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages — including but not limited to loss of profits, loss of data, business interruption, illness, injury, or death — arising out of or related to your use of (or inability to use) the Site or any content on it. Where liability cannot be excluded by law, it is limited to the greatest extent the law permits.

6. Affiliate links and advertising

The Site participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates, and may display advertising (when activated). See our Affiliate Disclosure for details. Your purchases through affiliate links cost you nothing extra and may earn the Site a commission.

7. Intellectual property

Original text, structure, calculator code, and graphics on the Site are the property of HarvestGuide.ca and are protected by Canadian copyright law. You may quote short excerpts with attribution and a link back; please do not republish substantial portions without permission. Third-party trademarks (Bernardin, Amazon, Health Canada, etc.) belong to their respective owners.

8. External links

The Site links to third-party websites (Bernardin, Health Canada, CFIA, Statistics Canada, Amazon, others) for context, citation, and shopping. We do not control those sites and are not responsible for their content, accuracy, or privacy practices.

9. Acceptable use

You agree not to:

• Use the Site for any unlawful purpose.
• Attempt to interfere with the Site’s operation, security, or other users’ access.
• Scrape the Site at scale or for commercial republication without permission.

10. Changes to these terms

We may revise these Terms from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top reflects the most recent change. Continued use of the Site after a change constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

11. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Ontario.

12. Contact

Questions about these Terms: [email protected].