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facturers accepted full responsibility. The customer later expressed
satisfaction with her negotiations with the firm concerned.
A worm, later identified as an immature earthworm, was alleged
to have been in a full bottle of milk delivered to a consumer. Investigation
shewed the worm to be alive two days after the milk was bottled.
It is known that the worm could not remain alive longer than 24 hours
in the bottle of milk, and therefore, the contamination could not have
arisen in the dairy. The complainant was informed that no further
official action was called for.
Two cases of alleged dirty milk in full bottles, were brought to
our notice. The milk was decanted and the consumer was satisfied
that the dirt was on the outside of the bottle.
Glass was alleged to have been found in milk, but the consumer
had destroyed any useful evidence which might have been used. No
official action was possible.
Mouldy bread was admitted to be over three days old when brought
to our notice. No official action possible, although the Vendor
reimbursed the consumer.
Fruit Malt Loaf was found to contain a piece of insulating tape.
The Council prosecuted the Vendor, who, pleading guilty, was fined
£10.
It was alleged that mouse droppings were found in a loaf. The
contamination was found to be due to machinery grease (a minute
quantity).
A further case of alleged mouse droppings in bread proved, on
analytical examination, to be pieces of charred dough. There was
every reason for the complaint, for the ' contamination although
definitely not rodent excrement, was of similar shape, size and
appearance.
Bread found to contain adhesive tape was reported to the Council,
The manufacturers explanation was accepted and no further action
was taken.
Mouldy wrapped bread was produced by a consumer. The facts
were considered by the Council, who decided to send a warning letter
to the manufacturers.
Packet Junket was alleged, when made up, to have a fermented
taste, and to be unwholesome. This was not confirmed by practical
experiment, or by bacteriological and analytical examination. The
complainant was informed that no official action was called for.
Food vendors frequently seek official aid in decisions regarding
the soundness or otherwise of food for human consumption.
During 1958, some 15 cwts of food was thus condemned and
destroyed as unfit for human consumption. In no case did circumstances
justify the official seizure of unsound food exposed or deposited
for the purpose of sale.
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