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52
The control of flour ended in August, the Minister of Food thereby
implementing the final steps in the Government's proposals as outlined in a white
paper published earlier in the year. Arising out of the de-control of flour, the
Minister issued the Flour Order, 1953, and the Bread Order, 1953, as a result of
which the housewife will be able to obtain National bread, brown bread, whiter
bread and wholemeal bread. By virtue of these Orders, calcium must be added to
all types of flour except wholemeal flour, produced from the whole of the wheat
grain without any additions. Also, certain specified nutrients must be restored to
all flours of less than 80 per cent. extraction.
Several other Statutory Instruments affecting food were issued during the year,
including the following :—
1. Labelling of Food Order, 1953—which re-enacted in a consolidated and
revised form the Labelling of Food Order, 1950. Certain new provisions have
been introduced, among which are the following :—
(i) biscuits and flour confectionery to be defined for the purpose of
exemption ;
(ii) it is now necessary for retailers who pre-pack food consisting of
two or more ingredients on the premises where it is to be sold, to
declare on or after 1st July, 1953, the ingredients on labels ;
(iii) it is now necessary to specify the ingredients of beef and pork
sausages and sausage-meat and home canned fruit and vegetables.
2. Offals in Meat Products Order, 1953—this Order protects the consumer
consequent upon the fact that it prohibits the inclusion of certain specified
offals which are unsuitable in meat products which are not or which have not
been canned.
3. Food Standards (Preserves) Order, 1953—by virtue of this Order, the
distinction between fresh fruit and full fruit jam has been abolished.
4. Transfer of Functions (Slaughterhouses and Knackers' Yards) Order, 1953—
this Order came into operation on 1st January, this year, as a result of which
certain statutory powers and duties relating to slaughterhouses and knackers
yards or otherwise relating to the slaughter of animals were transferred to the
Ministry of Food.
5. Food Standards (Soft Drinks) Order, 1953—amongst the principal changes
brought about by the issue of this Order are :—
(a) certain medicated and glucose beverages are exempt ;
(b) the standards, with certain modifications, apply to soft drinks for
consumption by diabetics.
6. The Artificial Sweeteners in Food Order, 1953.
7. The Food Standards (Saccharin Tablets) Order, 1953.