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2. Ice Cream.
A total of 101 samples of ice cream were submitted for examination. Broadly, the
results of these examinations were that 57 could be regarded as satisfactory and 44 unsatisfactory.
It must be remembered that there is no legal standard for the bacteriological quality of ice
cream.
The Ice Cream (Heat Treatment, etc.) Regulations came into force on the first day of
May this year, and in connection therewith the Minister of Health (in circular 69/47) stated
that he was still not satisfied that there was any test, the reliability of which was sufficiently
established to justify its use as a statutory test, non-compliance with which would constitute
an offence. The Minister, however, drew attention to a form of methylene blue test adopted
for testing ice cream. This proposed provisional test suggested four grades—1, 2, 3, and 4
and it was suggested that if, out of the four grades recommended ice cream consistently failed
to reach grades 1 or 2 it would be reasonable to regard this as indicating defects of manufacture
or of handling which called for further investigation.
As from the 1st May, 1947, a total of 76 samples of ice cream were submitted for
examination by the methylene blue test the results of which were as follows:—
Grade I 17 }Satisfactory.
„ II 14 }
„ III 23 }Unsatisfactory.
„ IV 22 }
Total 76
Too much importance must not be given to these figures, as the test is only a provisional one.
Where a sample was graded 3 or 4 a visit to the premises was made and everything possible
was done to ascertain where the trouble was, and to give advice as to bringing about an
improvement. In this connection manufacturers were only too anxious to co-operate with
the authority in trying to place a wholesome product on the market.
In some cases a check examination for B. Coli was made in addition to the methylene
blue test, and in a few instances of samples of ice cream placed only in grade III it was reported
(4626) D 2