View report page

-54-
The Meat (Treatment) Regulations, 1964, prohibit the addition
of ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, and
any of their salts or derivatives to raw and unprocessed meat intended
for human consumption. Unfortunately the definition of the word
'processed' does not clarify exactly whether products such as sausages
and salamis would be considered as processed or not.
Proposals were issued for canned meat products and also for
meat pies. Doubtless many of these proposals are being contested
behind the scenes, but it will be a great advantage if the drafts can
come into force without too much amendment.
The Dried Milk Regulations, 1964, come into operation on the
11th March, 1965. The chief modifications introduced are the
maximum and minimum percentages of milk fat required for grades of
milk powder other than full cream powder, and regulations for the
labelling of such products. There is also a proposal to amend the
present Skimmed Milk with Non-Fat Regulations, 1960.
During the year the Ministry issued a provisional method for
the testing of milk for the presence of antibiotics. It is very
seldom, however, that the presence of antibiotics can be proved in
bulk milk.
Fresh Mineral Hydrocarbons in Food Regulations were issued
during the year. Besides increasing the amount of paraffin hydrocarbons
permitted in or on foods, they also lay down specifications
for the quality of such hydrocarbons. The difficulty of enforcing
in Great Britain regulations regarding the quality of liquid paraffin
employed for coating citrus or dried prunes, currants, sultanas or
raisins in other countries will be appreciated.
The Soft Drinks Regulations, 1963, which should have come into
force in 1964, were revoked and replaced by the Soft Drinks Regulations,
1964, which will come into operation on the 2nd June, 1965.
These Regulations will permit the use of cyclamates for sweetening
soft drinks and presumably, therefore, Regulations will be introduced
to permit the use of these compounds in other foods such as diabetic
jams. These Regulations also require the disclosure of the presence
of artificial sweeteners in soft drinks and prescribe standards for
semi-sweet and low calorie soft drinks.
I have the honour to be, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
THOMAS McLACHLAN, A.C.G.F.C., F.R.I.C.,
M.I.Biol.,
Public Analyst.
Note: A table showing the various samples submitted for analysis
appears on the following page.