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3. Other Foods
Of the other samples taken, in no case did the laboratory report evidence of food poisoning
organisms.
(b) Chemical
In order that an overall check can be kept on foods sold within the Borough, food is purchased as the
housewife would buy it and it is then submitted for analysis to the Public Analyst.
Informal Purchases 760 Adverse 69
Formal Samples 27 Adverse 10
Of the adverse reports, 51 related to labelling deficiencies. This emphasises the continuing need for constant
attention to be given to this aspect of food and drugs work. The contraventions of the Labelling of Food
Order 1953 may be very minor but in some cases totally misleading labels were dealt with as were products
labelled completely in a foreign language. As a general rule, the importers take immediate steps to amend
the labelling and only in cases where co-operation is not forthcoming does the Council become involved in
legal proceedings.
The use of non-premitted colours in food continues to cause concern, particularly in sweets from
Cyprus and Italy. In a number of cases excess tin was found in some informal purchases but on investigation
the can was found to be very old stock which indicated poor stock rotation on the part of the retailer. In
these cases the appropriate advice was given and steps taken to ensure better retail sale management.
Of the routine spirit samples taken from public houses within the Borough one was found to contain
added water and legal proceedings were instituted. The hearing was due in early 1972.
The results of other formal samples have been recorded earlier under the heading Legal Proceedings.
Within the overall sampling programme there has been a continued check on residual insecticide
levels in foods. This year the samples taken have been more ambitious than previously and advantage has
been taken of the proximity of Smithfield Market and the shell fish stalls within the Borough.
The samples taken specifically for pesticide residues were tomatoes, apples, Dutch tomatoes, New
Zealand apples, pigs' liver, 'cod' fat from an Irish beef carcase, a pair of grouse, Portugese oysters, live eels,
native oysters, Worcester apples and a Grey Lag wild goose.
In all cases, with one minor exception, the levels found were well within the limits recognised as
being safe. The one exception was that in the liver of one grouse the gamma BHC was .03 above the
reporting limits for the National Survey of Pesticide Residues. This is barely significant as there is a tendency
for pesticide to accumulate in the liver.
UNFIT FOOD