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Food sampling.
A total of 733 samples of food were procured during the year by the Council's
Pood inspector. Of these, 551 were submitted to the Public Analyst for chemical
examination, the remaining 182 being sent to the Public Health Laboratory Service
for biochemical or bacteriological report.
Samples examined by the Public Analyst included a comprehensive variety of
food. 124 samples were acquired formally and 427 informally. A total of 25 samples
(4.5 per cent) were found to be adulterated. Details of the unsatisfactory samples
and the action taken are shown in Table VI, on pages 42 and 43.
Attention has been drawn to the possibility of ice lollies being contaminated
by lead and other metals during the course of manufacture. Only negligible amounts
were found in ten samples specially examined and the lollies were reported satisfactory.
Local manufacturers have been advised on this matter and are taking precautions
to reduce the risk of metallic absorption to a minimum. Methods adopted
include care and maintenance of moulds, the use of stainless steel where economically
practicable, and calling for guarantees that pure tin only is used in
replating moulds and vessels.
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