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60
The food concerned (17 lb. Walnuts) was the subject of a prosecution,
which was pending at the end of the year.
Included in the unsound food surrendered and destroyed during the
year was:—
2 stone of Beef. 17 stone of Fish.
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 samples,
including 113 samples of milk and 6 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 no sample of milk was found to be adulterated to
such a degree as to justify legal proceedings. In the case of an adulterated
cream bun, proceedings were instituted but were withdrawn on technical
grounds. 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.
The work carried out under the Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act,
during the year is summarized in the Public Analyst's Report in the
appendix.
The Public Health (Preservatives, etc., in Food) Regulations.—
All samples of milk and cream taken during the year were submitted
to examination for preservatives. No evidence of the presence of
preservatives was obtained sufficient to warrant legal proceedings.
Margarine. -No application for transfer of registration was received
during the year from wholesale dealers in margarine.
Bacteriological Examinations.—Arrangements have also been made
with the Clinical Research Association for the bacteriological examination
of samples of milk under the Milk (Special Designations) Order, 1923.
Six samples were submitted for investigation during the year, each of
which was found to be satisfactory in character.