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44
This last observation only serves to emphasise once more the neccessity for
the appointment of some small, permanent Committee with official power to
make or revise standards for all articles of food as, and when, the necessity arises.
For instance, Public Analysts and the trade generally, are practically agreed that
(vinegar shall not contain less than 4 per cent. of acetic acid, and this limit has
received official recognition, but it has not been legalised in any way. The
question also arises as to the definition of vinegar itself. Some authoritites
appear to regard any dilute solution of acetic acid containing at least 4 per cent.
of that body as vinegar, whilst others are of opinion that only the liquid obtained
from the fermented extract of malt or grain or, possibly wine, can be so regarded,
and that liquors derived from the treatment of wood, etc., ought not to be called
vinegar. What is needed is that a definite standard should be laid down for each
type of vinegar, and it should be made obligatory to label or indicate to the
purchaser what it is he really buys. A case has recently been before the Courts
on this question which clearly emphasises some of the difficulties which confront
all those who are concerned in the legal or scientific administration of the Food
and Drugs Act. This is only one of many instances calling for some further
action on this subject.
Merchandise Marks Act, 1926.
The Orders under the above Act now in force provide for the marking of the
following imported foodstuffs to show their origin:—
1. Fresh Apples.
2. Raw Tomatoes.
3. Eggs (hen or duck eggs in shell).
4. Dried Eggs.
5. Currants, Sultanas and Raisins.
6. Oat Products (oatmeal, rolled oats, oat flour and groats).
7. Honey.
8. Salmon or Sea Trout, frozen or chilled.
9. Butter.
10. Bacon and ham.
11. Dead poultry.
12. Frozen beef, mutton, lamb, pork and veal; chilled beef; salted
beef and pork; boneless beef and veal; edible offals.
During the year under review daily inspections under the Orders in force were
made by the Inspector appointed for the purposes of the Act, resulting in the
detection of 17 breaches of the Orders. In all of these cases the breach was
remedied following a verbal caution from the Inspector.