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NEW MILK - The 7 unsatisfactory samples were all deficient in milk fat. Two
of these were procured from different farmers and in each case other samples of new
milk taken from the same consignments were satisfactory. The remaining 5 unsatisfactory
samples were all from one farmer; the farmer's attention was drawn to this
result by letter and the Milk Marketing Board was also informed in order that it
could tender technical advice to the farmer as to how an improvement could be secured.
CHEESE - In two instances a compound article was sold under the description
'Cheese' whereas the article should properly have been called 'cheese spread'. Both
of these were imported foods and letters were addressed to the importers concerned
requiring suitable amendments to the respective labels to be effected. The other
three unsatisfactory samples of cheese were also imported produce. In each case the
label bore a statement of the percentage fat content, but it was in such a form as to
mislead a purchaser into thinking that the stated percentage of milk fat was a percentage
on the weight of the whole cheese whereas it was a statement of the percentage
on the total dried matter in the cheese. In these cases also letters were sent to
the importers concerned requesting suitable modification of the labels.
FRUIT JUICE - One sample sold as 'lime-juice' was found to be lime juice cordial
and another sample sold as 'cherry juice' was cherry syrup. In each case the manufacturer
was informed of the inaccurate description and was requested to make suitable
modification to these labels
SAUSAGES - Two samples of sausages were found to contain a preservative, sulphur
dioxide, although its presence was not disclosed as required by The Public Health
(Preservatives, etc., in Pood) Regulations, 1925-1953. In each case the amount
present would have been permitted had this disclosure been made. An official caution
was sent to each trader.
MERCHANDISE MARKS ACTS, 1887-1926 - 213 inspections of shops were undertaken to
ensure that the Marking Orders relating to certain imported foodstuffs made under the
Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, were complied with. 548 separate displays of meat,
apples, tomatoes, dried fruit, butter and bacon were examined. No serious infringement
was disclosed and verbal cautions,were given in respect of those minor infringements
which were detected.
THE LABELLING OF FOOD ORDER, 1953 - At 238 premises 2,065 articles of prepacked
food were examined to see that they bore a label which gave a clear statement of the
designation of the food and, in the case of compound foods, the ingredients, also the
name and address of the packer or labeller. No infringements of this Order were detected.
SPECIAL DESIGNATED MILK - During the year in question two licences were issued
by my Council in respect of the use of the special designation 'pasteurised' for
milk processed within your area. Each premise was regularly inspected and compliance
with the requirements of the Act and of the appropriate Regulations was maintained
in each case 111 samples of pasteurised milk were taken, all of which were certified
as being satisfactory.
SAFE MILK - In addition to the foregoing, 38 samples of raw milk were procured
within your Borough and submitted to test for the presence of tubercle bacilli.
None was found contaminated.
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