View report page

9
name of Cordials. The contention made by the Council in the frequent
summonses issued in 1942 that these drinks must contain sugar has now
been confirmed in the Order.
One unusual example of fraudulent substitution was the sale of
chalk as Talcum Powder. The latter is now scarce and chalk is a
cheap and inferior substitute.
The remaining adulterated samples were as follows:—
Gelatines (5); Vinegars (2); Baking Powder (2); Egg Substitute
Powder (1); Curry Powder (1); Spice (1); Essences (2); Margarine
(1); Butter (2); Sausages (1); Table Cream (1); Frying Mixture (1);
Soft Drinks (2).
The Public Analyst has reported that the standard of foodstuffs
on the whole is good and in his opinion reflects credit upon the
directive control of the Ministry of Food and upon the honesty of the
traders and manufacturers concerned.
Milk.
The composition of the milk sold in the Borough continues to be
quite good and all the samples taken of this important war-time
commodity were found to be genuine and of good quality. Complaints
by householders as to dirty bottles were investigated and communications
sent to the Dairies concerned.
Legal Proceedings.
The number of prosecutions taken out was 7 in respect of which
fines amounting to £272 10s. and costs amounting to £64 10s. were
imposed.
In cases where the shopkeeper holds a warranty or is obviously
not responsible for the adulteration every effort is made to trace and
prosecute the original manufacturer or supplier, although this often
entails complicated enquiries through perhaps five or six middlemen.
Magistrates have commended the Council's action in this respect.
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.
Infestation Order, 1943.
In accordance with a Direction made by the Minister of Food, a
survey of the whole of the Borough was made to ascertain the extent
of rodent infestation. This was carried out in conjunction with the
Ministry of Food's publicity campaign.
From the 1st of July to the end of the year, 350 complaints of
infestation were received and these were the subject of special treatment
in accordance with the Ministry's instructions. No less than
2,100 visits were paid during the course of the survey, which is not
yet completed. Six areas of the Borough were reported as being the
sites of " major " infestations. These were also the subject of special
action.