View report page

145
(b) the use of cyclamic acid and its sodium and calcium salts
is permitted as artificial sweeteners in soft drinks in place
of or in conjunction with saccharin;
(c) the descriptions of soft drinks sold from vending machines
and, where appropriate, a declaration of the artificial
sweetener content must appear on such machines;
(d) the regulations do not apply to soft drinks intended for
export or for consumption by H.M. forces or by a visiting
force nor to sales to manufacturers for their businesses
nor to any sale for immediate consumption.
The Mineral Hydrocarbons in Food Regulations, 1964.—
These Regulations which came into operation on 15th August of
the current year, re-enact, with amendments, the Mineral Oil in
Food Orders and Regulations, 1949 to 1955, and prohibit (subject
to certain exemptions relating to dried fruit, citrus fruit, sugar
confectionery, lubricants, cheese, eggs and chewing compounds) the
use of any mineral hydrocarbon in the composition or preparation
of food, the sale of food containing any mineral hydrocarbon and,
on and after 15th February, 1965, the consignment, delivery or
importation of any food containing any mineral hydrocarbon.
The Regulations make provision for (a) the condemnation of
food containing mineral hydrocarbon in contravention of the regulations;
(b) penalties for their infringement; and (c) enforcement by
food and drugs authorities.
During the current year in Circulars 3/64, 12/64, 21/64 and
25/64 the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has
approved the use of specified chemicals as alternatives to steam or
boiling water in the cleansing of vessels used for storage or conveyance
of milk and, for the purposes of the Public Health
(Imported Food) Regulations, 1937/48, certificates were officially
recognised in respect of the following countries:—France, Singapore,
Roumania, U.S.A., Austria, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay,
Uruguay, New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong.
In Circular FSH 15/64 the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Food drew attention to the Milk and Milk Products Technical
Advisory Committee's report on antibiotics. Although providing
effective treatment for mastitis in dairy cows, antibiotics are
excreted in the milk for a limited period after treatment and
medical opinion considers that such milk would have ill-effects
on people who are, or may become, sensitive to these substances.
The Circular outlines the steps already taken in accordance with
the report's recommendations such as testing at dairies and by