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IV ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
The Chief Public Health Inspector, Mr. H.S. Davies, reports as follows:FOOD
AND DRUGS
Imported Food
One fifth of imported food samples taken during the year were unsatisfactory,
mostly in respect of labelling irregularities In all cases the offences were
taken up with the importers and producers.
Two parcels of finger turmeric contained excess lead. This is a natural
phenomenon, the lead being taken up during the growth of the plant. The
turmeric a main ingredient of curry powder,was allowed forward for cleaning and
subsequent grinding.
Some processed cheese did not meet the requirements of the Cheese
Regulations, and was returned to the producing country (Switzerland). Aconsignment
of Kachuro, an oriental fruit used as flavouring, contained 8.5%of foreign
matter and was destroyed by the importer.
Canned Sliced Mangoe claimed to be "brimful of vitamins, virtue and vitality"
Whilst a Health Department cannot concern itself with virtue, claims in respect
of vitiamins and minerals must be substantiated by the name and amount of the
vitamin or mineral on the label.
Analysis of Food and Drug Samples
838 samples of food and drugs were submitted for analysis by the Public
Analyst, 14 being purchased formally, and 824 informally. Irregular samples
ascertained numbered 47.
Legal proceedings were instituted in respect of buttered rol1 s spread wi th
98% margarine, minced beef having added preservative, acetic acid not being of
the quality demanded, pork pie containing rust and dirt, and pasteurised milk
containing mould growth.
The resignation of one of the Food Inspectors in mid-November caused a
reduction in the total number of samples procured,the remaining Inspector having
to concentrate on the examination of imported foodstuffs at a time when his
attention would ordinarily be concentrated on retail sales.
Matters taken up with manufacturers and importers included fruit salad not
having the correct proportions of various fruits; foreign matter in a meat pasty
and which proved to be cow hair, vodka witha74.8% deficiency of proof spirit;
a drug which showed no expiry date on the packet and which had been prepared
before the requirement became statutory although the drug was sti11 efficaceous;
fruit yoghourt containing benzoic acid,fresh milk concentrate deficient in milk
solids, a new product being test marketed, cottage pie having an unsatisfactory
label, the product being withdrawn from sale; fruit chews containing Ponceaux MK,
a non-permitted food colour, acetic acid with an unsatisfactory label
(concentrations above 15% must have the words DANGEROUS - NOT TO BE USED UNLESS
DILUTED in red letters on the label)
The absence, inadequacy or improper declaration of ingredients on labels
ascertained in 63 samples were also the subjects of correspondence with
ascertained or importers.
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