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A sample of canned mixed vegetables was found to bear a label which
was misleading as to the nature of the contents of the can. This misleading
arose both from a pictorial representation and from the statement
of the ingredients. A letter of caution was sent to the packers concerned.
Merchandise Marks Acts, 1887-1953
The majority of the inspection work carried out under the provisions
of the above Acts relates to ensuring that the requirements of the various
Marking Orders made under the provisions of the Act of 1926, and which
relate to the marking with an indication of origin of certain imported
foodstuffs when exposed for sale or sold, are complied with. Inspections
were made at 128 separate premises of 262 displays of meat, apples, tomatoes,
dried fruit and butter.
A letter of caution was sent to one firm who were found to be exposing
for sale Australian Lamb bearing the false trade description "New Zealand"
Labelling of Food Order, 1953
This Order requires pre-packed food to be marked with the name and
address, or with the registered trade mark, of the packer or labeller. It
also requires such food to be labelled with its common or usual name
(if any) and with the names of the ingredients of a compounded food. It
also controls the manner in which the presence of vitamins and minerals
is disclosed and prescribes specific labelling of certain foods.
A total of 651 articles of pre-packed food was examined at 165 premises
to ascertain whether the above requirements were complied with; no
serious infringements of this Order were detected.
False or Misleading Descriptions
As in previous years food advertisements and labels have been scrutinised
for false or misleading statements and descriptions. Much of this scrutiny
of food labels can be combined with inspection work under the Labelling
of Food Order. No serious infringements were disclosed. Corrective
action was secured in relation to descriptions applied to "milk block",
"Double Tea", an imitation cream powder, cakes filled with a mixture of
butter and sugar, canned mixed vegetables, raspberry syrup, powdered
soup mixes, medium red salmon, gorgonzola cheese spread and cheese
spread.
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