View report page

48
Samples submitted for chemical analysis on which the Public Analysts
reported adversely, included the following:—
Consignments of imported apples affected with oil taint. Some
3,000 cases were involved. Ozonation treatment was carried out for a
week, and the taint disappeared.
A consignment of imported plastic-wrapped Bar-B-Cue chickens were
affected with mould growth and had a very objectionable odour. The
chickens had not been kept deeply frozen. A total of 116 chickens were
voluntarily surrendered and destroyed.
A bottle of cream soda was found to be contaminated with sulphuretted
hydrogen due to the acid in the soda attacking the screw stopper, which
was porous. The bottlers reported that some 10 million bottles were
used annually, only three of which had been the subject of complaint.
The use of cork crown closures was stated to be under consideration.
Rolls spread with margarine, instead of butter, resulted in legal
proceedings being taken against a restaurant company. A fine of
40s. and £5 5s. costs were imposed.
A chocolate gateau purchased by a member of the public had a
peculiar taste, and on analysis, the cake was found to contain an excessive
amount of salt. It was not possible to determine how this occurred.
Imported smoked salmon mayonnaise in tubes was found to contain
a prohibited preservative. Arrangements were made by the wholesaler
for the consignment to be re-exported.
Glace cherries on sale during the Christmas period were found on
analysis to contain benzoic acid, a prohibited preservative. On bringing
the matter to the notice of the retail company concerned, all stocks were
withdrawn from sale.
Various other samples were reported on adversely due to deterioration
in stock, faulty processing or packing, or for labelling offer ees.
In addition, some of these included contraventions under the Food
and Drugs Act, 1955, and the Public Health (Preservatives, etc., in Food)
Regulations, 1925. Appropriate action was taken in each case.
During the year a number of complaints were received from members
of the public alleging that foodstuffs purchased by them were unfit for
consumption or contained foreign matter. Investigations were carried
out in each case and appropriate action was taken where necessary.
The following cases are of interest, the latter two resulting in legal
proceedings:—
(1) A member of the public consumed ham and tongue sandwiches
purchased from a large food store in Westminster. The complainant
stated that the meat had a peculiar tang, and that afterwards his mouth
seemed dry and hot; later he suffered abdominal pain.