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It is noted that in the United States of America the making
of regulations is in the hands of the Local Authorities; this
method, the Committee would suggest, has many advantages,
and in connection therewith desire to recommend to the Ministry
of Health the adoption of this practice, which in fact already
exists in relation to sanitation, powers to make By-laws being in
the hands of the Local Authorities, the Central Body securing
control by forbidding the operation of the provisions until
approved by them, and by issuing model by-laws for the guidance
of the local bodies.
It is to be hoped that this valuable report may be the means
of educating the public in the need for greater care in the handling
of food, and as a result of this education the Authorities may be
stimulated to provide legislation on the lines stated.
SALE OF FOOD AND DRUGS ACTS.
One Inspector is appointed for the purpose of obtaining
samples under the above-named Acts.
The samples obtained are of two kinds, viz., formal and informal,
and in procuring these samples the Inspector is usually
assisted by an agent.
In connection with the administration of the Sale of Food
and Drugs Acts I would again refer to the necessity, in my
opinion, for a standard to be fixed prescribing the fat content of
cream.
In support of this contention I would state the following
example as emphasising the need for such a standard:—
A sample of cream (No. 410) was purchased for analysis at
a grocer's shop in this Borough, the article being delivered to the
purchaser in a cardboard carton, the bulk being contained in a
quart jug which was deposited in the ice safe. The Inspector's
assistant was informed by the vendor that the cream was fit for
infants and invalids. The price charged for three ounces was at
the rate of 4s. (Four shillings) per pound.
The Public Analyst certified that the cream was free from
preservative, but that the fat content only amounted to 20 per
cent.
Owing to this low fat content the vendor was interviewed,
and information was obtained from him to the effect that the
cream was tinned cream, and that his custom was to open
several tins as required, pour the contents into a receptacle and
sell in cartons to his customers.