This is pretty typical for high-acid products like pickles. If you allowed sufficient headspace, the only affected part of the food would be some of the brine on the underside of the lid.

I grew up on high-iron (i.e. rusty) water. I wouldn't worry about it unless you have excessive iron in your system already (i.e. a medical issue with iron).

Carol

Agree there is no safety issue. It happens. Rust is just iron oxide.

Dave

Glad to hear it is sort of ok.

However, I have gone over to glass top bail type lids with a rubber gasket for my pickles. I feel better about it.

But I am only using this for high vinegar full dill pickles. The vinegar will not eat away the glass top and probably not the rubber ring. at least that is my hope.

does anyone know if the acid can cause problems with the rubber ring.

Yes, it can. I've had it happen with various homemade vinegars.

Carol

As mentioned above, rust can be quite common on pickle lids due to the acidity in the vinegar. The pickles are fine to eat.

Phew...(now where did I fling that fork?)

I have heard that if you store the jars upside down that it prevents the lids being able to oxidise (no air)