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49
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS - FOOD AND DRUGS ACT. 1966
UNSATISFACTORY PURCHASES
Eleven complaints were brought to the attention of the Public
Health Department during the year concerning the sale of the undermentioned
foodstuffs which were not of a satisfactory natures-
(a) Sale of a bottle of soft drink the contents of
which tasted and smelt of disinfectant.
(b) Sale of a wrapped sliced loaf containing foreign
matter.
(c) Sale of a 'Wheatmeal' loaf containing foreign matter.
(d) Sale of a mouldy fruit pie.
(e) Sale of a tin of corned beef the contents of which
were sour.
(f) Sale of a small white loaf containing a foreign object.
(g) Sale of mouldy sausages.
(h) Sale of sliced bacon infested with maggots
(i) Sale of a "Nut Ring" containing larvae skins.
(j) Sale of a mouldy sliced loaf
(k) Presence of foreign matter in a bottle of milk.
Thorough investigations were carried out in respect of each
adulteration and reported to the Public Health and Baths Committee for
appropriate action. In case (a), no action was taken as the manufacturer
had ascertained that the rubber band of the bottle cap had absorbed disinfectant,
probably kept in the bottle by the previous consumer, and the
washing process at the factory, when the bottle was returned had not dispelled
the taste and smell. The manufacturers had acknowledged this defect
and proposed to bring into use a non-absorbent bottle top which would
prevent a recurrence of the complaint.
In regard to case (d) it had not been possible to establish whether
the mould growth had been there when the pie was sold or whether it had
developed during the 24 hours it had been in the possession of the
purchaser. The Committee decided to take no action in this matter in
view of the uncertainty, but the retailer's attention was drawn to the
necessity of careful checks being made on stock rotation. Follow up
samples were taken over a period and all proved satisfactory.
Concerning case (e), the condition of the contents of the tin was due
to a faulty seam which would have been most difficult to locate by the
retail staff handling the commodity. It was decided therefore that no
further action could be taken.
In cases (b) (c) (f) (g) (i) (j) and (k), legal difficulties or
mitigating circumstances negatived the institution of legal proceedings
and warning letters were sent to the firms concerned.
With reference to case (h), legal proceedings had been taken
against the shop concerned for a similar offence in December, 1961, when
a fine of £60 plus £5. 5s. 0d. costs was imposed. Since the previous