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(4) Requirements are prescribed for the composition of wheatmeal or brown flour and
wholemeal.
(5) The sale of flour or bread containing any added colouring matter is prohibited save that
flour and bread other than white bread or soda bread may contain caramel.
(6) The sale of flour containing any bleaching agent or improving agent not specified in the
Regulations is prohibited.
(7) The sale of wholemeal containing any bleaching agent or improving agent whatsoever
is prohibited.
(8) Where bread or flour is certified by a public analyst as containing any colouring matter
not permitted by the Regulations or where the flour is so certified as containing any
bleaching agent or improving agent otherwise than in accordance with the Regulations,
that bread or flour may be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Section 9 of
the Food and Drugs Act, 1955 as being unfit for human consumption.
The Regulations come into operation on the 1st September, 1964.
THE LIQUID EGG (PASTEURISATIONREGULATIONS, 1963
These Regulations come into operation on the 1st January 1964 and are designed to secure
that all liquid egg used in the manufacture of any food product is efficiently pasteurised. The
Regulations prescribe a routine to be followed in sampling, the method of pasteurisation as well
as the test which must be satisfied. These are completely new Regulations and Food and Drugs
Authorities and Port Health Authorities will therefore for the first time have statutory powers to
ensure that liquid egg is safe for human consumption. Egg broken out on the manufacturers' own
premises and used within twenty four hours is exempt from the provisions of the Regulations.
THE MILK (SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS) REGULATIONS, 1963
These Regulations re-enact The Milk (Special Designations) Regulations, 1960 and at the
same time incorporate certain amendments. The principle changes are as follows —
(1)The designation "tuberculin tested" is replaced by "untreated" as the special designation
for raw milk, i.e. milk which has not been pasteurised.
(2) The clot on boiling test for untreated milk is replaced by the half hour methylene blue
test as the test for milk to which the producers licence relates.
(3) The provision is made for the issue of a temporary producers licence, valid for one month
only, to cover certain special circumstances.
The Regulations come into operation at varying times; some on the 29th September, 1963,
some on the 1st June, 1964 and the remainder on the 1st October, 1964.
THE SOFT DRINKS REGULATIONS, 1963
These Regulations come into operation on the 10th July, 1964, and re-enact with amendments
the Food Standards (Soft Drinks) Order, 1953, as amended. The most important changes are as
follows —
(a) The standards of composition for soft drinks made from citrus fruits have been revised.
(b) The minimum sugar content has been increased and the maximum quantity of saccharin
which may be used has been reduced. Where saccharin is used its presence must be
declared on the label.
(c) The acids which may be used in the manufacture of soft drinks are specified.
(d) There are definite and specific requirements regarding labelling.
It is interesting to note that the Regulations do not apply to soft drinks which are not sold
in a container.
SAMPLING OF TEA
Sampling of tea by local authorities is of recent origin. Before 1959, the duties with resject
to the sampling and control of unsound tea were carried out by Officers of H.M. Customs and
Excise, under permissive powers contained in the Customs and Excise Act, 1952. By a departmental
circular of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, dated 28.11.58 it was notified
that these functions would cease to be carried out by H.M. Customs and Excise, and it would fall
to local and port health authorities as from 1st January 1959 to assume responsibility under the
Food and Drugs Act.
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