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Imported Food
This year has seen the closure of two up river wharves on the Wapping and
Shadwell foreshores which had operated vessels for 100 years from the Continent
and Mediterranean Ports.
The loss of imports through wharves has been more than compensated by the
increase in "containerised" goods entering this area for customs and health
clearance at two large depots and for health clearance at some 25 other premises
known to the food inspector,
Containerisation has created a number of problems in regard to inspection
and examination which are gradually being resolved by food inspectors working
nationally through various committees.
Of samples taken for chemical analysis, objection was taken to the 1abe11ing
of 28 samples resulting in correspondence with the producers and importers.
Severe insect infestations were found in dried apricots prunes and egg
noodles which had been in storage on the Continent during the summer dock strike,
under conditions existing suitable for the completion of their 1ife cyc1e. before
arrival and distribution here these consignments were destroyed
A prohibited preservative was found to be present in a consignment of
tartare sauce from the United States of America and which was subsequent1y destroyed
Prohibited colouring matter in sweets attached to plastic toys from Hong Kong
was found and the goods were immediately returned to the manufacturers at their
request in order that the toys could be saved.
There has been a considerable increase in the importation of Chinese canned
and bottled products which has given rise to many of the labelling offences
previously mentioned. A consignment of pickled leeks was fermenting on entry
and was destroyed.
Rigid sampling and inspection control is still maintained on groundnuts and
frozen cooked prawns Early in the year af1atoxin was found in a consignment of
groundnuts from Eritrea which was detained and re-exported. Aflatoxin is a
toxic product of the mould Aspergillus Flavus. which grows readi1y in groundnuts
in storage and is known to cause carcinoma in turkeys and mammals.
Two samples of frozen cooked and peeled prawns were found to be below the
expected bacteriological standard although no pathogenic organisms were found.
A strong line was taken with the producers and importers to maintain standards.
One overseas producer was advertising approval by the Health Department of
his country and the Trade Attache at its London Consulate was informed.
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