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59
During the year a number of complaints were received from members
of the public alleging foodstuffs purchased by them were unfit for
consumption for one reason or another. All these were investigated, and
appropriate action taken. The following provide a note of interest.
A complaint was received of a loaf which was thought to contain
mouse droppings. On examination the "droppings" were found to
consist of poppy seeds.
A packet of sweet peppers purchased at a multiple store was found to
be affected with mould. The Public Health Inspector inspected the
remainder of the stock displayed, and found two further packs similarly
affected. A representative of the manufacturing Company arranged
immediate replacement of the stocks at the shop, and the matter was
taken up with the suppliers overseas. The complainant was recompensed.
A doughnut which contained mould growth was brought to the
Department. The bakers investigated the complaint which arose through
human error. Cakes were normally baked in sufficient numbers for the
daily needs only of the branch shops, any surplus being returned. It
was beleived that in this instance an unsold cake intended for return to
the bakery had inadvertently become mixed with cakes intended for sale
in the shop.
A beetle was found in a loaf, the insect being identified as tenebroides
mauritanicus. The matter was discussed with the management with the
result that certain works were undertaken at the bakery, and regular
disinfestation arranged.
Subsequent to this complaint, a further case arose concerning the same
firm—a loaf purchased by a customer was found to contain a fly. Legal
proceedings resulted, and a fine of £5 with £5 5s. 0d. costs was imposed.
Apple strudel was found to be affected by mould growth. The
Inspector called at the retail premises and found that pies on receipt were
kept in an unventilated cupboard at the shop until all were sold. The
proprietor was informed that it was unwise to keep pies of this nature for
longer than 48 hours, following delivery, and that storage should in any
case be in a properly ventilated food cupboard.
A complaint was received that minced meat purchased from a local
store was unfit prior to use the following day. The retail premises were a
large multiple store where there was a continuous demand and prepared
stocks were soon exhausted. The management were of opinion that the
meat in question was unlikely to have been in the shop longer than a few
hours before being sold to the customer.
It is possible that the deterioration of the meat took place after
purchase. The use of a polythene bag or similar container by the
complainant to carry the meat home could have provided a suitable
environment for this deterioration. The shop concerned refunded the
cost of the meat.