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It will be observed that by far the largest proportion of goods
found to be unsound was of the 'canned' variety, consisting
mainly of ham, tomato concentrate and red cherries in syrup.
In respect of ham it can be recorded that since less of this
commodity is now imported, less is correspondingly declared unfit.
A full explanation of the conditions necessitating the condemnation
of imported ham was given in last year's report.
With regard to the tomato concentrate and the tinned cherries,
both were stored at a large warehouse in the Charlton district, and,
resulting from the visit of the Senior Food Inspector, a number of
tins were submitted to the Public Analyst for examination.
Four tins of Italian Canned Cherries in Syrup which appeared
to be ' blown ' were found to contain hydrogen and dissolved tin
and iron.
The merchants concerned stated that 25,000 cases of these
cherries had been imported, all of which, as a result of doubts of the
efficiency of the tin plating, were being collected at the Charlton
warehouse for examination. Approximately one third of the
consignment had ' hydrogen swell'—a special dispensation from
the Home Canning Act issued by the Ministry of Food enabled this
fruit to be transported to Norfolk for re-processing and re-packing.
The remainder of the stock was kept under observation and
during the year several quantities of leaky, blown or rusted tins
of cherries were condemned and sent for stock feeding.
The tomato concentrate was proved to contain an excessive
copper content and its distribution was controlled in order to
ensure its proper dilution for human consumption.