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54
Samples submitted for chemical analysis, on which the Public Analyst
reported adversely, included the following:—
Chili sauce imported from a British Colony was found to contain
406 parts per million of benzoic acid contrary to the Preservatives, &c.,
in Food Regulations, 1925. The Regulations permit the presence of 250
parts per million of this preservative in this type of sauce. The importer
was informed of the contravention, and arrangements were made for the
immediate re-export of the commodity to the country of origin.
Information was received concerning the analysis of l½lb. tin of
melons in syrup. This was found to contain 505 parts per million of tin;
the recommended limit is 250 parts per million. The importing Company,
who have premises in Westminster, obtained three tins from a further
consignment, and an analyses of these shewed a tin content of 749, 476
and 273 parts per million of tin respectively. The Port Health Authority
at the port of entry placed a 'stop' order on the consignment.
Tinned stewed steak imported from East Africa was, on opening by
the purchaser, found to contain a beetle. The canning was on behalf of
an English Company with very wide interests, and of high repute. After
careful consideration of the circumstances of the case, it was decided not
to institute legal proceedings. The Company assured the Council that
everything possible was being done, and would continue to be done, to
prevent the Company's products from falling below their normal high
standard.
A small piece of foreign matter which had the characteristics of black
india rubber was found in a bottle of milk. The Dairy Company was
prosecuted, and a conditional discharge, with £5 5s. costs to the Council,
resulted.
The proprietor of a restaurant stated that he had received complaints
concerning imported bottled wine. Patrons had alleged the wine was
bitter, unpalatable and had a general roughness. The Public Analyst
expressed the opinion that the wine had been filled into a new chestnut
wood barrel, and the flavour of the wine was due to tannins extracted
from the chestnut. It was, however, fit for human consumption.
A quantity of minced meat sold for human consumption, but fed by
the complainant to his domestic pet, resulted in the animal being sick.
On closer examination, the purchaser noted a pinkish tinge in the vomit,
and was of opinion a dye had been added to the meat. On analysis, his
suspicion proved to be well founded, for the meat had been artificially
dyed with colouring matter. Under the Colouring Matter in Food
Regulations, 1957, the addition of certain colourings to foodstuffs is
permitted, but these foodstuffs do not include meat in a raw and unprocessed
state, which is intended for human consumption. Legal
proceedings were instituted and resulted in a fine of £7 being imposed,
with four guineas costs. (The case was heard in 1963, and for this reason