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Unsound Food.—On one occasion during the year unsound food
was surrendered and destroyed. Included in the food surrendered
was :— 28 lbs. Cod. No carcases were destroyed on account of tuberculosis.
Food Poisoning.—No case of food poisoning occurred during the
year.
Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act, 1928.—Four hundred and three
samples, including 184 samples of milk and 8 samples of cream, were
taken and submitted for analysis during the year. These samples were
investigated by the Public Analyst to the Borough Mr. B. H. Gerrans,
F.I.C., whose Report is set out in the appendix.
Each of the four male Sanitary Inspectors is appointed an Inspector
under the Acts. Under their direction, the taking of samples is effected
by individuals temporarily employed for the purpose, the services of
persons outside the Borough being frequently utilised.
The samples procured are of two kinds—formal and informal. Formal
samples are those taken strictly in conformity with the Act. Informal
samples are those taken without these strict formalities and afford
useful indication of the conditions without disclosing to the vendor
that the object of purchase is analysis.
No legal proceedings are possible in respect of an informal sample,
but, when adulteration is discovered, formal samples are obtained
immediately and necessary action is taken on receipt of the analytical
report regarding them.
During the year one sample of milk was found to be adulterated to
such a degree as to justify legal proceedings. Certain other food samples
were found to be inferior, but not to such an extent as to justify legal
action. In each of these cases a warning letter was sent to the Vendor
concerned.