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In none of the cases upon which the Public Analyst reported adversely was there anything
endangering health. The majority of these unsatisfactory samples concerned incorrect labelling and
descriptions. In these cases contact was made with the manufacturers concerned, and by meetings
between their food technicians and the Senior Public Health Inspector with special responsibility
for food, it has been possible to persuade manufacturers to re-draft the labels and/or descriptions
for foods. A number of tea-packers have now discontinued to use the term 'tips' in relation to tea
as analysis has shown this to be an improper description, similarly the description 'creamed' has
been dropped by a leading manufacturer of dried, powdered potatoes. In several cases amended
labels are informally submitted to the department for comment, before they are put into general
use.
The samples have covered a very wide range of foods, in some cases, e.g. meat pies, tinned fruit,
etc., they have been taken to check on specific standards or codes of practice.
Following the detection of sulphur dioxide in desiccated coconut, investigations showed that
this was being absorbed during the drying process in the country of origin. Whilst only a small
quantity of this coconut was in the Borough it was representative of a large consignment which was
eventually withdrawn from sale and diverted to the bakery trade. As a result of this investigation
several importers have tightened up their contracts for the supply of this commodity.
This Authority has participated in the Scheme of Sampling carried out to enquire into the
extent of contamination of foodstuffs by pesticide residues and in each of the years 1966 and
1967, 18 samples of food were submitted for examination. The Analyst did not find it necessary
to comment adversely on any of the samples submitted to him.
BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS OF WATER AND FOOD