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Only 6 samples were reported upon adversely and the
discrepancies were of a comparatively minor nature.
A sample of dried peas was of inferior quality and contaminated
with earth. The shopkeeper received a warning and, as
a consequence, surrendered his remaining stock of this commodity
as unfit for human consumption.
Sausages deficient in declared preservative, and malt vinegar
deficient in acetic acid to the extent of 15 per cent were the
subject of similar warnings.
The latter sample also contained 0.8 per cent of salt, which,
in the opinion of the Public Analyst, is not a natural ingredient
of malt vinegar. In this and two similar cases, the manufacturers
held a special dispensation from the Ministry of Food
to add salt without declaration.
A sample of brine liquid from a galvanised pickling tub
was reported as containing 26 parts per million of zinc. In the
opinion of the Public Analyst this was excessive and indicative of
contamination by the galvanised storage vessel.
In view of this report, a circular letter was addressed to
all meat traders in the District directing attention to the
unsuitability of galvanised receptacles for the brine curing of
meat. As a result, alternative materials are being used for this
purpose in all cases.
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