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FOOD AND DRUGS
Analysis of Food and Drugs Samples
During the year 981 samples of food and drugs were submitted for analysis by the Public
Analyst, 10 being purchased formally, 940 informally, and 31 were private samples. Irregular
samples ascertained numbered 131.
Action taken with respect to the irregular samples was as follows:-
Legal proceedings were instituted in respect of seven samples, namely, a bread roll which
contained a lead-free paint film, together with discoloured dough which had been baked in the
bread; a bread roll which contained 6 pellets of rodent excreta which were embedded in the dough
prior to baking; a white loaf which contained rodent excreta which was present in the breadprior
to baking; a loaf which contained a cockroach leg which was not baked in the bread; a bottle of
pasteurised milk which contained a plastic potato crisp bag, the milk being contaminated with
alkali; a bottle of pasteurised milk stained on the inner surface with a carbonaceous residue,
and minced meat which contained sulphur dioxide (4,500 p.p.m.) the addition of which is not
permitted. The total fines and costs awarded amounted to £135 and £37.lis. respectively.
Matters taken up with manufacturers or importers included garnishing paste which contained
benzoic acid, contrary to the Preservatives in Food Regulations; dairy cream, deficient in milk
fat; thyme containing excess sand and siliceous matter; creamed coconut which contained sulphur
dioxide; pork sausages deficient in meat content and pork sausages which contained the remains of
a merchant grain beetle; condensed full cream milk contaminated with iron, and which contained an
open can, comminuted orange containing benzoic acid; a meat pie deficient in meat content; lemon
ice deficient in fat and milk solids; somilan which contained brilliant blue FCF a non-permitted
colouring matter; a sausage roll containing heavy mould growth; diabetic raspberry jam which
contained a smal1 aluminium turning; fruit salad which contained a non-permitted orange colouring
matter; blackcurrant drink containing a non-permitted colouring matter formed by decomposition of
red 6B; bubble gum which contained brilliant blue FCF; full cream milk food tainted with trace of
aromatic suostance; abread roll containing burnt particl es of bread; milk powder which contained
excessive moisture; messu and pera containing blue VRS a non-permitted colouring matter, and
golden halva which contained excessive lead.
The absence, inadequacy or improper declaration of ingredients on labels were ascertained
in 47 samples and were also the subject of correspondence with manufacturers or importers.
A summary of the samples analysed and included in quarterly reports submitted by the Public
Analyst in compliance with Section 99 of the Food and Drugs Act, 1955, will be found on page 106.
Dacterio,logical Examination of Foodstuffs
Samples submitted for bacteriological examination numbered 219 comprising:-
9 Canned fish 5 Egg pasta and noodles
4 Canned meats 81 Egg Powder, liquid and albumen
2 Canned sausages 23 Ice cream
4 Chicken 14 Meat pies and sausage rolls
5 Desiccated coconut 8 Milk
6 Eels (jellied and cooked) 19 Miscellaneous foods
12 Egg noodles 24 Prawns and shrimps (frozen and cooked)
3 Rissoles
All the samples submitted were found to be satisfactory.
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