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44
"Full Cream" cheese and should have contained at least 30.0 per cent. of fat,
but on analysis it was found to contain only about half this amount and was
therefore certified to be at least 50.0 per cent. deficient in fat. It may be added
that many full cream hard cheeses contain much higher percentages of fat than
30 and that the standard taken here may be regarded as almost too low.
As is well known, cheese is a most important food and is regarded as one
of the staple articles of diet by many members of the community, and therefore
unscrupulous vendors who make false statements concerning its quality should
be dealt with severely.
Sardines.—The sample of sardines found to be adulterated contained 20 parts
per million of lead—a dangerous quantity. As I have pointed out in a previous
report, these sardines containing lead are mostly packed in Portugal where the
fish are submitted to a preliminary process of cooking before canning. This
cooking is performed on metal grills which often contain a high percentage of
lead, and during the operation the fish tend to absorb that metal in comparatively
large quantities. Where this has been found to exceed 20 parts per million, large
consignments have been returned by the Dock Authorities to the senders. Until
recently sardines which contain less than this amount of lead have been permitted
to come into this country, but in July, 1937, the Port Medical Officers decided
to limit the quantity to 5 parts per million, and even this amount to be allowed
only for a short time, after which the fish should be free from lead or only contain
negligible traces. That it is quite possible to obtain this result, is indicated by
the number of brands which are on sale in this country, and which are quite
satisfactory.
Sild.—The sample of this canned fish was found to contain 2.58 grains per
pound of tin which appeared to be accidental as other fish of the same brand
were free from this metal.
Whisky.—Two samples of whisky were found to have been diluted with water
so as to reduce the spirit strength to 37.53 and 41.3 degrees under proof respectively.
Whisky should not be sold if it is less than 35 degrees under proof without
notice being given to the purchaser.
Proposed New Legislation.—A Bill has recently been prepared by a Committee
to consolidate with amendments certain enactments relating to Food,
Drugs, Markets, Slaughter-houses and Knackers' Yards, a draft of which was
presented to Parliament by the Ministry of Health in December, 1937. It is
still under consideration.
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.