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Sampling Observations. It will be seen from the detailed
classification that of the two hundred and seven samples taken
during the year 2.89 per cent were found to be other than
genuine, and minor irregularities accounted for a further
1. 44 per cent, making a total of 4, 33 per cent.
For comparative purposes the figures for 1953 were 2.83 per
cent and 1.88 per cent respectively with a total of 4.71 per cent.
Having regard to the wide variety of articles sampled it
is gratifying to record that the observations and infringements
reported by the Public Analyst have in the main been of a
generally minor character.
Comments by the Public Analyst.
Food and Drugs Act and Relevant Regulations andOrders, 1954
"There is a special function of the Public Analyst which is
exemplified by several samples which I have had occasion to
report against during the course of the year. The nature or
quality of an article can be assessed in a number of different
ways and a particular food can fall so low in quality that it
ceases to be of the minimum standard acceptable by the Public.
This falling off innature or quality can be due to deterioration
on storage, to the use of unsuitable ingredients, or to the
inclusion of a deficiency or excess of a particular incredient.
All three of these factors can result in Justifiable complaints
and the Public Analyst (by virtue of his special training) can
often safeguard the interests of the public by anticipating
this falling off in quality and thereby preventing future sale
to the prejudice of the purchaser.
No fewer than five of the nine 'adulterated' samples this year
were found to fall to reach a reasonable minimum of quality.
The essence of rennet did not make a proper Junket, the savoury
relish was quite unpalatable due to staleness, the custard
powder had a soapy taste due to an unsuitable flavouring, the
margarine was slightly rancid, and the table Jelly crystals did
not make a Jelly that would set properly.
Again, quantitative standards of quality only exist for a
restricted number of foods and for others the case for a minimum
is Judged by ordinary commercial practice, tradition, and what
the purchaser expects to get. Ultimately this question has to
be put to the test by asking magistrates to adopt a certain
standard, but that put forward by a public analyst, as a reasonable
minimum, is often accepted without much dispute.
This year has been the passing into law of the Food and
Drugs (Amendment) Act, 1954, which will provide means for
stricter control of the addition of chemical substances to foods
and of general hygiene in relation to the preparation of food."
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