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53
Samples submitted for chemical analysis, on which the Public Analyst
reported adversely, included the following:
A complaint concerning cheese which had a strong and unpleasant
odour. The Public Analyst was of opinion that this was probably due to
the initial infection of the milk from which the cheese was made. The
complainant thought it had been subjected to animal contamination.
Blocks of frozen whitebait on thawing were found to be dark in colour.
It was believed that decomposition had occurred before the fish were
deep frozen, and also that it had been improperly washed. The matter
was taken up with the suppliers.
Cheese imported from Germany was moulding with fruiting penicillia
growing on the surface. Some 233 packets were voluntarily surrendered
and destroyed. The importers took the matter up with the manufacturers.
A quantity of frozen prawns sh wed the presence of bacteria when
defrosted. The prawns had a tinny taste and became powdery on
defrosting. It was thought that this may in some measure have been
caused by incorrect defrosting procedure.
Buttered rolls requested at a public house were proved on analysis to
be spread with margarine. Legal proceedings resulted in a fine of £10
being imposed with £2 2s. costs.
A sample of ice lolly labelled with an ingredient shewn as "E.H.E.C."
was not considered by the Public Analyst to be the 'appropriate
designation' of the ingredient as defined by the Labelling of Food Order,
1953. He considered that the full name—Ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose—
should be printed on the label. The manufacturers of the product
agreed that the label would be amended if the use of the ingredient were
continued.
Twelve articles of foodstuffs, consisting of mixes and sauces, were
reported upon adversely in connection with labelling offences and
misleading descriptions. Considerable correspondence followed with
the manufacturers and satisfactory agreement was eventually reached
in all cases.
A diner at a restaurant was of opinion that smoked salmon on the
menu was smoked saithe. Samples were taken which proved the salmon
was correctly described, though the quality, due to poor processing, was
not of the best.
A consignment of 986 X 7 oz. tins of rollmops in aspic were rendered
unfit due to acid mixture attacking the tin plate and releasing gas.
Another consignment of 351 x 3½ oz. jars of Lumpfish roe were surrendered,
due to discolouration of the roe by bacteria which reduced the
colour of the dye. Both consignments were imported products, and
were destroyed.