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57
Samples submitted for chemical analysis, on which the Public Analyst
reported adversely, included the following:—
A complainant alleged that a bottle of Champagne which was bottled
20 years ago, and which he had purchased, caused him to be sick. The
price paid for the Champagne was about half the normal cost. The
remainder of the Champagne received from the complainant and a formal
sample were submitted to the Public Analyst who stated that the quality
had deteriorated, probably as the result of bottling under war-time or
immediate post-war conditions. The Champagne tasted and smelt
vinegary.
The retailer was informed of the analysis, and of his responsibility
under the Food and Drugs Act, 1955, to ensure that food (which includes
drink) sold by him was in all respects fit for human consumption.
One half-pound pack of wrapped butter purchased from a shop in
Westminster was found, on analysis, to contain small pieces of transparent
material of the cellulose acetate type, with layers of general dirt and a
small amount of mould. The butter formed part of 1?, lbs. purchased by
the complainant. Enquiry revealed that the butter had been packed and
manufactured by different companies. Representatives of all concerned
were interviewed, but investigations failed to reveal the source of
contamination.
Tinned goods, including preserved mixed fruit, salted cucumbers,
preserved vegetables and lychees, were the subject of a report from the
Public Analyst. Two of the samples were found to have a dangerous
contamination of nickel and tin, and others contravened the provisions of
the Labelling of Food Order. All the goods were imported from a British
Colony. On the receipt of the Analyst's report immediate surrender was
accepted of the remaining stock of goods held by the retailer which were
affected by metallic contamination. General information was given to the
retailer, who was also the importer, of his responsibilities to ensure that
foodstuffs offered for sale complied in all respects with relevant Statutes
and Regulations. The appropriate Government Department of the
Colony and the local authority concerned were informed of the matter.
A portion of minced meat purchased was found to contain small
pieces of bone. Investigation revealed that in all probability a small
piece of bone had been picked up with the trimmings, and passed unnoticed
through the mincer. The butcher's shop concerned was very
clean and well maintained. The complainant accepted a refund of the
cost of the meat.
Samples of dried shrimp imported from abroad were stated on the
label of the tin, to contain ' starch, shrimp paste and salt' in that order.
The starch accounted for 79 per cent of the commodity in one sample,
and 78.3 per cent in the second sample. It was considered that the
sample should more correctly be described as ' Dried shrimp flavoured
slice Representations were made to the packers by the local authority
regarding the unsatisfactory labelling.