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In four cases the requirements were carried out, but in seven cases (two of
which were from one vendor) the labels were not attached.
Five of these vendors were officially dealt with (see Samples Nos. 153, 179,
223, 230 and 411, Milk and Cream Report).
Though several visits were made to the shop of the remaining vendor, the
assistant was unable to obtain a further sample of cream.
MARGARINE.
Sixty informal samples of Margarine were purchased. Of this number,
forty-five complied with the requirements as to stamping the wrappers, etc. ;
six were sold in wrappers that were indistinctly stamped, and nine were sold
without the word "Margarine" appearing on the paper in which the article was
enclosed.
Cautions were given to the vendors of the former.
With regard to the nine unstamped wrappers, eight of these samples were
purchased from one shop. A formal sample was obtained, also sold in an unstamped
wrapper, and was officially dealt with (see Table "B," Sample No. 75).
Further samples purchased from the other tradesmen concerned were enclosed
in papers properly stamped.
SALE OF FOOD ORDER, 1921.
It was found necessary to caution eighteen traders at whose shops imported
eggs were exposed for sale bearing labels with words not in accordance with the
requirements of this Order.
The cautions had the desired effect.
It may be stated that there is a general tendency among shopkeepers to comply
with the Order for labelling imported meat and eggs at shops in this Borough.
PUBLIC HEALTH (CONDENSED MILK) REGULATIONS, 1923, and PUBLIC
HEALTH (DRIED MILK) REGULATIONS, 1923.
(1) Public Health (Condensed Milk) Regulations.
Twelve samples of condensed milk (eleven full cream milks and one machine
skimmed milk) were obtained and submitted to the Public Analyst.
Nine of the former, together with the sample of machine skimmed milk, were
submitted to ascertain whether the appropriate standard of composition was in
accordance with the requirements laid down in the second schedule of the
Regulations.
The other two samples of full cream milk (Nos. 818 and 918) were analysed
in order to ascertain whether the labels on the tins gave an accurate statement of
the equivalent quantity of milk contained therein.
Two samples of full cream condensed milk (Nos. 879 and 933, see Table) were
found to be deficient in milk fat to the extent of 86 per cent, and 90 per cent.,
respectively, though four other samples of the same brand (Nos. 906, 910, 918 and
957) were reported as genuine.
Proceedings in respect of these two samples were instituted against the retailers
and wholesale firms.
At the hearing, the defence relied upon was that certain tins of machine
skimmed milk had got mixed with tins of full cream milk at the factory, situated
abroad, and had consequently been wrongly labelled.
The two summonses against the wholesale firm were dismissed upon payment
of 20 guineas costs (£lO 10s. on each summons).
The summonses against the retailers and middleman were withdrawn.
At six shops tins of condensed and evaporated milk were found, deposited
for sale, bearing the form of label that was in use prior to these Regulations becoming
operative. Cautions were given to the tradesmen and the stock in each instance
was withdrawn from sale.
Particulars of the samples taken are given in the following Table :—