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wholesome when in fact the bacterial count may have reached astronomical
proportions. At no time have any dangerous organisms been
isolated, but obviously a product containing such large numbers of
bacteria and having such diverse culinary uses, must be a source of
potential public health danger.
A possible solution to this problem is that each bottle should be stamped
with a date after which the product should not be sold to the public.
This suggestion has in fact been made to the Deptford firm, but for obvious
reasons they are unwilling to act unless in unison with other bulk
manufacturers.
The problem is known to the Ministry of Health officials. They feel
however, that at this stage official action should be left to the local
authority. Nevertheless without a legal standard, similar to milk for
example, and in the absence so far of any 'cream borne' disease, this
Local Authority must confine its efforts merely to vigilant supervision and
frequent sampling of the product.
Labelling of Food Orders, 1946/50
All pre-packed samples of food submitted under the Food and Drugs
Act were considered also under the Labelling of Food Orders, 1946 and
1950. In 49 instances separate examinations were made under these Orders
and several slight infringements were dealt with by correspondence.
Pharmacy and Medicines Act, 1941
All pre-packed drugs submitted under the Food and Drugs Act were
also considered under the Pharmacy and Medicines Act, 1941.
Food Standards
Seventy-four samples were specially examined under the various Food
Standard Orders. In two instances infringements were dealt with by
informal action.
Public Health (Preservatives etc. in Food) Regulations
Wherever desirable Food and Drugs Act samples were examined for the
presence of prohibited preservatives and colouring matters and for
excessive amounts of the permitted preservatives. No action was found
necessary under the regulations.
Mineral Oil in Food Order 1949
Eighty-two samples were taken under the Order—no contraventions
were found.
School Milks
Eighteen samples were sent for chemical examination and nine were
sent for bacteriological examination. One sample was also sent from
a Day Nursery.