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denotes a standard which in the opinion of the Committee, following consultation with interested
parties, is a reasonable one to adopt. The matter was referred to the appropriate Ministry as an
illustration to the Committee concerned, when further discussions on a standard to be introduced
took place.
A sample of vegetable baby food was reported to be deficient in protein, and the description too
was misleading. There is no standard for this type of food, but the Analyst was of opinion that the
protein content should be higher. The matter was taken up with the manufacturers, who withdrew
the product from their range.
Sliced salami enclosed in a synthetic outer casing was found to contain 416 parts per million of zinc.
As distinct from the casing, the rest of the sausage contained 20 parts per million, which was within
the prescribed limit. The unsuitability of the particular casing was drawn to the attention of the
importers, and they immediately took the matter up with their suppliers abroad.
A sample of milk was found to be deficient in solids-not-fat, and the freezing test applied confirmed
the presence of water. The bottlers stated that the most likely cause for this adulteration was due to
condensed steam in tanks, pipe lines and filler bowls after sterilization, and also from water used to
warm up the pasteurizing unit, at the beginning of the run. It was the Company's practice to draw off
at the beginning of each run some 10 to 12 churns from the cooler exit and 3 to 5 crates of bottles from
each filling machine to avoid such an occurrence. It was assumed that in this isolated instance, insufficient
milk had been discharged. In the experience of this Department, a sample of milk containing
added water is a rarity these days.
The copper content of a brand of confectionery was found to be slightly in excess of that recommended.
The Company concerned made exhaustive tests to find out how this had occurred, but no
tangible evidence was forthcoming as to the source of contamination. An assurance was received
that the utmost precaution would be employed and vigilance maintained to ensure this did not recur.
As would be expected, the analyses of samples by the Public Analyst covers a wide range of products
available to the general public. This, with the increasing importation of goods from foreign parts,
produces labels which do not always comply with statutory requirements prevailing in this country.
In all cases it is necessary to trace the article back to the importer. During the year, 54 samples were
found to have labelling deficiencies, and the necessary action was taken.
On the question of labelling of products generally, the advice of the Health Department is often
sought by those intending to market a product, the precise description or words to be used being the
subject for discussion. Whilst every endeavour is made to assist the enquirer, it is always made clear
that the advice given is based upon an interpretation of the regulations by your officers only and
cannot be considered as in any way implying that the same interpretation will be accepted by the
officers of any other local authority.
Milk (Special Designation) Regulations, 1963 (as amended)
The City Council is responsible for the granting, on application, of Dealers' Licences in relation
to pre-packed milks sold under the special designations "Untreated", "Pasteurized" or "Sterilized".
As from 1st October, 1965, the Regulations were amended to include the new special designation
"Ultra Heat Treated".
No applications were received in respect of this designation before 31st December, 1965.
"Ultra heat treated milk" is a long-lasting milk which preserves the basic constituents of fresh
cows milk and, it is claimed, is indistinguishable in quality from "Pasteurized" milk. Kept in its unopened
container, it remains fresh for several months and it is unaffected by extremes of temperature.
Storage under refrigeration is not necessary, but once the container is opened, the milk behaves like
ordinary milk.
A Dealer's licence permits the sale of milk both inside as well as outside the area of the licensing
authority.
The numbers of Dealer's licences current at the end of 1965 were:—
Pasteurized 345
Sterilized 237
Untreated 31
Milk and Dairies (General) Regulations, 1959
Under these Regulations a local authority shall keep a Register of persons carrying on the trade of
distributor of milk at or from premises within their district.
At 31st December, 1965, 405 distributors of milk were entered in the Council's records.