View report page

30
was opened the instrument used was carelessly handled and this resulted in a fracture of the tin
plate of the can in question, which permitted air to enter with consequent deterioration of the
contents of the can. The retailers, a branch of a large grocery organisation, informed their staff of
the need to exercise special care when opening cases of this nature.
A complainant alleged that after eating Diabetic marmalade she had suffered intestinal disorder
on three separate occasions. Samples of the marmalade were submitted for chemical analysis
and bacteriological examination, but no organism or substance normally associated with food
poisoning was found to be present. It is probable that the sorbital content, used in place of
sugar as a sweetening and preserving agent and which is known to have a laxative effect, was
the cause of her symptoms. It was suggested to the complainant that medical advice should
be sought before she used such a product in her diet.
The presence of a wasp in a carton of orange drink indicated the need for investigation of the
bottling plant, and the local authority of the area in which it was situated was informed. It
was found that the problem of excluding wasps from the manufacturer's premises was causing
special concern and control measures had been adopted, including screening of windows,
installation of insecticide vapourisers and air jets over filling machines. Additional appliances
which it was hoped would resolve this particular problem were on order. No other complaints
had been received by the local authority concerned and in all the circumstances no further
action appeared necessary.
A carton of Strawberry Yogurt, the subject of complaint, was found to be satisfactory although
a stronger taste than is usual for this product was present. The Analyst reported that strawberries
have an appreciable number of bacteria on their exteriors and are full of enzymes. The
presence of the strawberries although enhancing the flavour of the product means that its shelf
life is reduced, particularly unless stored at a low temperature. The turnover at the retail
store appeared satisfactory, but an adjustment in storage temperatures was recommended.
A can of apples intended for use in school meals was found to contain a cigarette end. The
canners checked their production records and found that of the 358 cases of which the complaint
sample formed part, packed on that particular day, this was the only complaint received. They
were very concerned by the incident and in spite of an exhaustive investigation could not understand
how it had occurred. Some two and a half million cans had been produced in the
previous four years and this was the first occurrence of this kind reported. The matter was
dealt with by way of a caution.
A jam doughnut containing a spring washer was reported to this Department. The object
was identified as a "self-securing" or "retaining" clip or washer, many of which were used on
the conveyor belt in the doughnut cooling tunnel. It appears that the washer adhered to the
surface of the doughnut while it was passing through the cooler. The company shortly intended
installating a metal detector to eliminate the possibility of a recurrence. A cautionary letter
was sent to the manufacturers.
Legal Proceedings
The following matters resulted in legal proceedings being taken by the City Council against
those responsible:—
After buying some processed cheddar cheese the purchaser noted three holes in the top surface
of the foil which extended from the outer edge towards the centre. She was of opinion, and
this was subsequently confirmed on analysis, that the cheese had been attacked by mice. The
company concerned was fined £20 with £5 5s. Od. costs.
Commodities described as Mushroom Cubes and Onion Cubes were formally sampled by the
Sampling Officer. Analyses disclosed that 81 per cent, of the onion cube consisted of ingredients
other than onion, and the mushroom cube 69 per cent, of ingredients other than mushroom.
Legal proceedings were taken against the manufacturers for offences under Section 6 of the
Food & Drugs Act, 1955, giving with an article of food a label calculated to mislead as to the
substance of that food. The company entered a plea of "Guilty" and the Magistrate imposed a
nominal fine of £5 for each of the two offences and £25 costs, it being pleaded in Court that the
assets of the firm were quite small. Since these proceedings a form of labelling acceptable to
this Department has been introduced.
Mouse droppings found on the crust of a chicken and ham pie resulted in a fine of £30 and
£10 10s. Od. costs.
Proceedings were taken in several cases where mould growth had been found present on articles
of food; total fines of £82 were imposed with £35 2s. Od. costs.