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PUBLIC HEALTH (IMPORTED FOOD) REGULATIONS,
1925.
Fifty-four samples have been taken during the year by the
Wharves' Inspectors. Of this number, 3 samples were submitted
to bacteriological examination; 5 were examined for preservative;
12 samples were examined for contamination and 22
samples of tomatoes, tinned or in the form of puree or paste were
examined for the presence of copper and tin. An unofficial
standard for tin is generally accepted, but there is no standard for
copper either official or unofficial, and considerable anxiety was
ments. As very large quantities of tomato products were involved
it was a matter of some difficulty to decide on a just course of
action. After consultation with the firm concerned who were
straightforward and helpful in their attitude and with officials of
the Ministry of Health, it was decided to release those parcels
conditionally for manufacturing purposes or for re-exportation,
which did not show an amount of tin above the accepted standard
(2 grains per lb.) and which showed less than 20 parts per million of
copper. At the same time the firms concerned were urged to take
the matter up with their manufacturers and endeavour as far as
possible to eliminate both metals from their products, and attention
has already been given to this matter. The remaining
samples were taken in order to ascertain the composition.