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With regard to the samples noted as unsatisfactory, the following
comments may be of interest.
Milk
Three of the unsatisfactory samples were of hot milk purchased from
cafes and each contained quite an appreciable quantity of added water.
The three traders concerned were each prosecuted and were each fined
£1, and 2 guineas costs. The unsatisfactory sample of sterilised milk
was 36 per cent. deficient in milk-fat. Further samples were obtained
from the source shortly afterwards and were found to be quite
satisfactory.
Herrings in Wine Sauce
In this case the Public Analyst reported that only a very small amount
of wine was present in the sample. A letter of warning was addressed
to the manufacturer who undertook to amend the wording on the labels
attached to the containers of this foodstuff.
Sausages
A sample of pork sausages was unsatisfactory in that it contained a
preservative in excess of the maximum quantity permitted. The trader
concerned was prosecuted and was fined £5 and 5 guineas costs.
Vinegar
Two samples of vinegar were unsatisfactory in that non-brewed
condiment was supplied. The retailer concerned was prosecuted and
was granted a conditional discharge on payment of 2 guineas costs.
Merchandise Marks Acts, 1887-1926
Attention has been paid in particular to compliance with the Imported
Food Orders made under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926 and which
require in respect of specified foods that when, inter alia, they are
exposed for retail sale they must bear a clear indication of the country
of origin, that is to say either the words "Empire" or "Foreign" as the
case may be or the specific country of production. 257 premises were
visited and 1,728 head of poultry, displays of meat, packets of butter
or stacks of apples, tomatoes or dried fruit were examined. One
retailer was prosecuted in respect of Dutch tomatoes marked "English"
and stacks of imported apples and tomatoes not marked with the country
of origin. He was given an absolute discharge on payment of 3 guineas
costs.
Official cautions were addressed to two other traders in respect of
stacks of imported apples not marked with country of origin.
Labelling of Food Order, 1953
187 premises were visited and 1,654 different articles of food were
examined to ensure compliance with this order. No infringement of
substance was detected.
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