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42
"MERCHANDISE MARKS" ACT, 1926.
Section 9 of the above Act confers on Pood and Drugs Authorities
(in London, the Borough Councils) the power to execute all provisions of
the Act (except those relating to importation) in respect of foodstuffs
which are subject to an Order in Council made under the Act.
The Orders which have been so far made in respect of foodstuffs are
as follows:—
The Merchandise Marks (Imported Goods) No. 3 Order, 1928,
relating to honey and fresh apples.
The Merchandise Marks (Imported Goods) No. 5 Order, 192 8
relating to currants, sultanas, raisins, eggs in shell, dried eggs and
oat products.
The Merchandise Marks (Imported Goods) No. 4 Order, 1929,
relating to raw tomatoes.
The Sanitary Inspectors have been empowered by the Council to
undertake the duties imposed by the above Act, in regard to food exposed
for sale, and have in many instances called the attention of traders
to the fact where they have discovered negligence in the marking of
their goods, and have had the omission rectified.
In addition printed notices have been circulated from time to time
calling attention to the Orders mentioned above.
On the whole the Orders are being carried out satisfactorily
throughout the Borough.
During November it was ascertained that certain irregularities in
regard to imported eggs were being carried on at premises in Southwark
which were occupied by the International Egg Company.
On visiting these premises the inspectors found that the foreign
stamp on Belgian eggs was being removed by an acid, and the eggs were
being issued for sale as English eggs at a greatly enhanced value.
Summonses were taken out, and at the hearing on January 21st,
1931, the Magistrate imposed the maximum fine, i.e . £7 and £15 15s. 0d.
costs.
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (GRADING AND MARKING)
ACT, 1926.
This Act provides for the grading and marking of agricultural
produce and gives power to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
by regulations to prescribe "designations" and "marks" to indicate the
quality of such produce.