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56
SECTION E
SUPERVISION OF FOOD
(In conjunction with Mr. W.C. Bartlett, Chief Public Health Inspector)
The following legislation was made during the year which had inter alia the
effects indicated.
The Mineral Hydrocarbons in Pood Regulations, 1964, which prohibit, subject to
certain exemptions, the use of any mineral hydrocarbons in the composition or
preparation of food, the sale of food containing any mineral hydrocarbon and, on and
after 15th February next year, the consignment, delivery, or importation of any food
containing any mineral hydrocarbon. These Regulations re-enact with amendments the
Mineral Oil in Pood Orders and Regulations, 1949/1955.
The Soft Drinks Regulations, 1964, which revoke previous legislation and replace
with amendments the Pood Standards (Soft Drinks) Order, 1953, as amended. Among the
principal changes are that standards of composition have been introduced for semisweet
and low calory soft drinks and labelling provisions for these drinks are laid
down. The use of cyclamic acid is permitted as artificial sweetener in soft drinks in
place of or in conjunction with saccharine. In addition the descriptions of soft
drinks sold from vending machines and where appropriate a declaration of the
artificial sweetener content must appear on such machines.
Protection of Animals (Anaesthetics) Act, 1964. This Statute amends the schedule
of the Protection of Animals (Anaesthetics) Act, 1954, and enlarges the classes of
operations in which anaesthetics must be used.
The Meat (Treatment) Regulations, 1964. These make it an offence to sell,
consign or deliver any raw and unprocessed meat intended for sale for human
consumption which contains any added substance of a kind specified. These substances
include Ascorbic acid, Erythorbic acid, Nicotinic acid, Nicotinamide or any salt or
other derivatives of any of these substances.
The Dried Milk Regulations, 1964, which re-enact with amendments the Regulations
of 1923/1948.
The Milk and Dairies (General) Regulations, 1959, Approved Chemical Agents.
Circulars 3, 12, 21 and 25 were issued by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Pood approving specified products for the cleansing of milk containers, vessels or
appliances as an alternative to scalding with boiling water or steam in accordance
with Regulation 27(6)(a) of the Milk and Dairies (General) Regulations, 1959.
With regard to the Bread and Flour Regulations, 1963. These came into operation
on 1st September this year. The Regulations prescribed permitted ingredients for
certain breads and a composition containing milk solids or added protein, and also
controls labelling and advertising.
All-night inspections were carried out by two Inspectors on several occasions
during the year. Refreshment houses, night clubs, vehicles used in the transport of
meat and other foods, and food factories working outside normal hours, were
included in the inspections. These visits have a salutary effect upon the staff
engaged in such undertakings and proprietors or employees are now beginning to accept