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Margarine
In four informal samples of Margarine the Vitamin A content was found to be deficient
by amounts varying from 34 to 41 per cent. the margarines, though of differing quality,
were all manufactured by the same company and advice was given and emphasis made on
the care required in mixing the ingredients. Subsequent formal samples were found to be
satisfactory.
Egg Dye
Samples of dye sold in four different colours and imported from Cyprus were all
found to contain prohibited colouring matter. These dyes are used in Cyprus and Greece
for the colouring of shells of eggs during various national festivals and holidays. Eggs
thus coloured were understood in some instances to be baked in bread or cakes, when the
colour was absorbed by the dough. The shopkeeper voluntarily surrendered his small
stock of dyes when the possible dangers were pointed out to him.
Mince
One sample of mince was found to contain preservative and legal proceedings were
instituted against the butcher.
Soft Drinks
An Almond Drink was found to contain no significant proportions of almond substance
and was, therefore, misdescribed. The amount of artificial sweetener exceeded the
permissible amount as did also the amount of preservative present. A Rose Syrup
manufactured by the same company also contained excessive artificial sweetener and
preservative. Discussions with the chemist appointed by the company resulted in the
recipes for the drinks being revised and subsequent samples were found to be satisfactory.
Dried Milk
One sample of dried milk packed in a waxed paper bag inside a light cardboard
carton was found to contain excessive moisture. Discussions with the distributors
revealed that the powder was being imported from France with a moisture content almost
that of the permitted level. Repacking the powder in an unsatisfactory container enabled
further moisture to be absorbed and this caused the total moisture content to exceed the
permitted limit by the time the product was sold. A more suitable package was adopted
and the exporters were asked to supply powder with a lower moisture content.
Dehydrated Soup
A packet soup labelled "Creamed Vegetable Soup" was found on being reconstituted
to contain only 1 per cent of fat. Discussions ensued with the manufacturers with
the view to altering the recipe or the omission of the word "Creamed" from the label.
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