Canscore

Canscore is a standardized scoring system described for evaluating canned goods and beverages based on quality, safety, and packaging integrity. It provides a single numeric rating intended to summarize multiple dimensions of product reliability for manufacturers, retailers, and regulators.

The system is described as having been developed by the Can Quality Consortium in the mid-2010s as a voluntary standard to complement existing safety audits. It is not legally mandated in most jurisdictions, but several large retailers and storage facilities are said to endorse it as a quality credential. The score is intended to offer a consistent baseline across diverse products and markets.

The score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating stronger compliance to defined criteria. Assessment criteria typically include seal integrity, fill level accuracy, absence of leakage, proper labeling and allergen information, accurate expiration dating, packaging integrity, and compliance with relevant food safety standards (for example HACCP). In addition, a sustainability subscore may assess packaging recyclability and material usage. Measurements combine automated inspections, sample laboratory tests, and retailer inventory checks.

Usage of Canscore involves producers submitting products for evaluation, followed by audits or inspections. Scores may be published on product listings, supplier portals, or internal quality dashboards. Some retailers require minimum Canscore thresholds for shelf-ready stock, while others use it as part of broader quality management programs.

Criticisms of the framework include potential labor intensity and costs for small producers, varying interpretations of criteria, and challenges in cross-industry comparability. Supporters argue it enhances transparency, assists recalls, and improves consumer trust by providing a concise quality signal.

See also: quality control, food safety standards, packaging sustainability.