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LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Food and Drugs Act, 1955
In last year's Annual Report mention was made of an article of food being seized by a Public
Health Inspector and taken before a Magistrate for condemnation. The case was heard early in 1973
and the defendant was found guilty of selling half a cooked chicken in an unfit condition in that it
contained insect larvae. The Magistrates imposed a fine of £25 and awarded costs to the Council of
£10.
It was possible to take this food to the Magistrate for condemnation because the complaint was
made immediately after purchase. Such action by a consumer greatly assists the local enforcement
officers.
Seventeen other prosecutions were taken during the year, following formal food complaints and
details of these are given below.
Milk and Dairies (General) Regulations, 1959
It is the obligation of companies bottling milk to ensure that the bottles are clean immediately
before they are used. One complaint of a dirty milk bottle during the year was particularly bad and
this was taken before the court having jurisdiction in the area in which the bottle was used. The
bottle contained some paperlike foreign matter and a dense mass of dead mould growth. The
company concerned was fined £50 with an award of £10 costs to the Council.
Preservatives in Food Regulations, 1962
Last year it was reported by the Public Analyst that two formal samples of minced meat
contained non-permitted preservative. These cases were heard early in 1973 and both offences were
found proved by the Magistrates. In one case the fine imposed was £25 and in the other £50 as this
was a second offence. In each case costs of £10 were awarded to the Council.