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to be submitted to the Public Analyst, the consignment (758 cases
of approximately 9 tons) was detained in accordance with the Public
Health (Imported Foods) Regulations, 1937—1948.
The Public Analyst certified as follows:—
Two pears of average size and contamination were analysed with
the following results:—
Lead. Arsenic.
(Parts per million)
No. 1 6.5 6.5
No. 2 9.7 7.5
These pears could not be allowed to go to the retail trade, and as a
result of immediate negotiation with the Importers it was found
possible for the pears to be dealt with at a canning factory where
facilities were available for proper cleansing before preparation for
human consumption.
A letter was sent to the Italian Embassy protesting against this
consignment of pears, contaminated with lead arsenate, being allowed
to leave Italy.
The Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy replied, expressing
regret at the occurrence and stating that the matter had been brought
to the attention of the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade. It was
felt that the action taken by the Institute, coupled with the loss,
estimated at £300, sustained by the Italian shipper, constituted a
powerful deterrent against a repetition.
PUBLIC HEALTH (PRESERVATIVES IN FOOD)
REGULATIONS 1925 48: THIOUREA
The Ministry of Food, in Circular MF 2/54 drew attention to the
use by certain orange growers of thiourea and of fungicides containing
thiourea as a rot and mould suppressant.
Thiourea can penetrate the skin of citrus fruits and find its way into
the juice. Experiments in the United States of America have shown
that this chemical is lethal to some animals in very low concentrations.
Its use is accordingly open to strong objections on grounds of
toxicity.
Moreover, thiourea falls within the definition of "Preservative"
contained in the Preservatives in Food Regulations and the sale of
any articles of food containing thiourea would be a contravention of
these Regulations since no provision exists therein permitting its
addition to food. For this reason it would not be appropriate to
introduce legislation designed specifically to prohibit the importation
and sale of citrus fruit so treated.
In consequence of this circular, samples of various brands of
oranges were obtained from consignments landed in the borough, or
from retailers.
Thiourea was found to be present in five brands of Spanish oranges.
The importers and the Ministry of Food (and through them, the
growers in Spain) were immediately informed of this infringement of
the Regulations. Undertakings were received from the importers
that they would take immediate steps to prevent further imports of
oranges so affected, and the matter was also referred to the Spanish
Chamber of Commerce and export authorities.