View report page

Bread (Procea). A complainant brought to the office a loaf of
bread containing a beetle. The premises were inspected and no
infestation could be found in the bakehouse. Appropriate action was
taken.
Oranges. Reference was made to the Ministry of Food Circular
calling attention to the possibility of the harmful use of thiourea
spray on citrous fruits. Of the samples submitted for examination,
the oranges contained in the juice four parts per million and in the
peel ten parts per million, and showed that the oranges had been
treated with thiourea preservative for the purpose of preventing
spoilage due to mould growth. The use of thiourea is not permitted
by the Pubic Health (preservatives in food) Regulations. The country
of origin was Spain and it was suggested that the Minister of Food
should be asked deal with the matter by calling the attention of
the Spanish Embassy to these reports.
English hilled Eggs. Several complaints were received from
purchasers English chilled eggs. On examination the eggs were
found to have an unpleasant odour in varying degree. An investigation
was made a this showed that owing to the dock strike the eggs had
been stored chilling rooms not insulated properly from fruit storage
accommodation.
Chocolate Buttons. Complaint was received of these chocolates
having a peculiar taste. Visual examination showed that they possessed
a slight whitish bloom, but chemical examination revealed no evidence
of the presence of objectionable acidity or rancidity such as are sometimes
developed in the fat constituents when a chocolate confectionery
becomes stale and out of condition.
Nail in Cake. Complaint was received of a nail in a portion of
cake, the complainant had alleged that two teeth had been broken.
Investigation proved that the manufacturers premises were run in
accordance with modern hygienic standards and an electronic device
was installed for the detection of any metal objects.
Iillicitslughter
In July, shortly before the decontrol of meat rationing, your
officers visited an old dilapidated shed, where it was alleged 3 cows
and 12 calves had been slaughtered for the purpose of food for human
consumption under apalling conditions. Notwithstanding the evidence
which was given, the Court came to the conclusion that the animals
had not been slaughtered for human consumption. On this finding
the summonses were dismissed. Needless to say, your officers felt
that the prosecution was one which the Council had very properly
undertaken and were disappointed that the evidence submitted to the
Court was not found acceptable.
Page 75