Description: Three types of explosive food cans have been recovered, whose main dif-ference lies in the spurious food labels which conceal the true nature of the can. The "tin of strawberries" is typical and consists of a standard No. 2 can filled with high explosive. The tin bears a cleverly counter-feited "Libby's Strawberries" label which covers and conceals the threaded igniter pocket in the side of the can. This label gives the weight of the can as 1 pound 4 ounces. The interior of the can is lined with thick brown paper. Two rectangular metal containers filled with heavy mineral oil are placed in the main filling on either side of the igniter pocket.

Two smaller 14-ounces cans labeled "Libby's Long Slices Fancy Pineapple" and "Del Monte Mixed Salad Vegetables," which are similar to the "Strawberry" can in all respects except size and label, have been recovered.

All the types of charges can be used either as sabotage devices or booby traps depend-ing on the type of initiating system used. One common initiator has a scratch type igni-ter, a safety fuse delay (about 1 minute), and a detonator. Another consists of a brass sleeve containing a scratch type igniter, an integral short delay train, and a detonator. The third type of igniter consists of a brass sleeve containing a friction pull igniter, and a detonator. This last igniter has no delay and can be used only if the charge is placed as a booby trap.

Operation: The label of the can is removed or perforated to expose the igniter pocket into which the igniter is threaded. The activation of the igniter sets off the delay, of pre-sent, which fires the detonator and the main charge.

Figure 197 – Explosive Food Cans.