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On opening a tin of baby food the complainant noted the presence of an insect resembling the
leather-jacket. The tin and contents were examined by the Public Analyst and he confirmed the insect had
not been cooked in the can. It appeared that the insect gained access to the can after it was opened.
On drinking a gin and tonic at licensed premises the complainant noted a burning sensation in her
mouth. The remainder of the tonic was submitted for analysis and it was reported to be strongly alkaline.
Samples of cleaning fluids obtained from the licensed premises and the bottling factory were submitted for
comparative analyses but it was not possible to discover where or how the soapy material gained access to
the tonic.
In a gift box of imported chocolates each chocolate contained an attachment which appeared to be gold
wire in the form of a handle. The complainant considered this was a hazard, particularly so if the chocolate
were consumed in the dark. Analysis disclosed that the handle attachment was a piece of plastic and the
"gold" comprised harmless colourings. No action was required.
A bottle of lager when opened was found to contain "foreign matter" which comprised growth of yeast
and mould. The condition had arisen through a fracture at the neck of the bottle beneath the crown cap
which permitted air to enter the bottle. The fracture probably occurred at the time of the capping. The
local authority in whose area the bottling factory was situated was informed in order that any necessary
investigation could be made.
Beetles were found in a packet of suet. A further packet similarly affected was found at the retail shop.
The proprietor had failed to rotate his stock with the result that the suet was nearly 18 months old — the
shelf life of this type of product is 6 months. The shop proprietor was cautioned, and action was taken to
control the infestation.
A fly was found in a steak and kidney pie purchased from a large multiple store. An investigation
followed at the factory where the pie was manufactured, and a representative of the company was
interviewed. The plant was of modern design and the entire factory premises were proofed against flies,
including meshed windows, doors with air curtains and insectocutor units. In addition the premises were
specially treated outside production hours for insect pests and a search made thereafter for any dead or
dying insects which may have previously escaped detection. It was not possible to discover how the fly
gained access to the plant, but it was suggested that this occurred through an air curtain, either when this
was not properly directed, or on goods passing through the curtain. The manufacturers were cautioned.
Legal Proceedings — Food and Food Premises
During the year legal proceedings were taken in respect of unhygienic conditions in seven catering
premises. Four of these further included contraventions of the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act
1963. Fines totalling £1,124 with £124 costs were imposed. In another case where legal proceedings were
authorised the owner died before the case came to Court and in a further case the premises closed and the
summonses could not be served.
The following matters arising from complaints also resulted in legal proceedings:-
Sale of shredded beef suet infested with beetles. Also insanitary conditions in male sanitary
accommodation. Fined £50. Costs £10.
Offering for sale food unfit for human consumption. The food had been contaminated and gnawed by
mice. Also insanitary conditions present and exposing food to risk of contamination. Fined a total of £100.
Costs £5.
Offering for sale food unfit for human consumption — the food had been gnawed and contaminated by
mice. Also insanitary conditions at premises. Fined £450 with £5 costs.
Sponge cakes contaminated by mould growth and biscuits contaminated by mice droppings. Insanitary
conditions at premises. Fined £150 with £20 costs.
Sale of sponge cake mix affected by insect infestation. Fined £15 with £7 costs.
Sale of a chocolate bar affected by insect larvae. Fined £40 with £10 costs.
Sale of milk adulterated with water. Fined £10 with £5 costs.