What outage-related requirement applies to all packages containing liquids?

• A. Must have outage; not liquid full at 131ºF
• B. No outage required
• C. Outage applies only to solids
• D. Outage only for specific materials

Answer: (A)

Liquid packages must have headspace to absorb expansion and vapor pressure that occurs when temperatures rise during transport. When a liquid heats up, it expands; if the container is filled to the brim, that expansion can push the cap, seam, or packaging itself and cause leaks or rupture. The requirement to have an outage means you leave a portion of the container empty so the liquid has room to expand, and the reference to not being full at a temperature like 131°F (55°C) is a practical way to express that need. This applies to all liquids, not just certain materials, which is why the other ideas—no outage, outage only for solids, or outage only for specific substances—don’t fit.