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Seventy-four samples of milk were submitted to the methylene blue
reduction test and phosphatase examination of which two were unsatisfactory.
The unsatisfactory samples occurred during hot weather.
Two samples of sterilized milk satisfied the turbidity test. Sixty samples
were submitted to biological examination for the presence of tubercle and
all were reported free from infection.
SAMPLING OF FOOD AND DRUGS
During the year 183 samples were submitted to chemical analysis,
details of which are set out hereafter.
The following three samples were reported to be unsatisfactory:—
1. Buttermints, 2. Butterscotch—
In these cases the analyst reports that the samples of sugar confectionery,
in each instance described by names in which the word "butter" appears,
are objected to on the grounds that they contained insufficient butter fat to
justify the description. In these samples the amount of butter content
amounted to 0.5 per cent. and 1.0 per cent. respectively, whereas the content
agreed between the Ministry of Food and the Confectionery trade was
"not less than four per cent." unless qualified by the term "flavoured".
3. Chocolate Easter Eggs—
The analyst confirmed that these small whole easter eggs had a mouldy
taste and showed the presence of mould growths of which the cause could
not be established.
Appropriate action was taken by your officers in these cases.
Proceedings were instituted in the following instances where food of
which complaint was made was condemned. The results of these proceedings
were as follows:—
1. Fairy cake, containing
beetle— The defendant pleaded guilty and a fine of £5
was imposed.
2. Mouldy sausage rolls— The defendants pleaded guilty and were fined
£10.
3. Mouldy meat pies.— In this case two partners in the defendant
company were each fined £5 together with £1
for witnesses' expenses.
The following schedules show the number and type of food samples
submitted for examination and the unsound food condemned and destroyed
during the year.
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