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57
A sample of Sandwich Spread submitted had an unsatisfactory taste, and
a bacteriological examination revealed the presence of several hundred thousand
bacteria per gramme. It was, therefore, suggested that a sample should be
purchased and sent to the Council's bacteriologist. This further sample
contained very few bacteria, but your Inspector was informed at the shop that
the manufacturers had informed them that as the particular batch from which
the first sample had been obtained was out of date, the sale had been
stopped. The results obtained by your Analyst would, therefore, appear to
have been in accordance with those of the manufacturers.
A sample of Ready Mix Custard Powder was reported as inferior as it
contained edible oil instead of butter fat.
Some Chocolate Powder was described as a mixture of pure cocoas and
sugar, but as it contained 60 per cent, of sugar and only 40 per cent, cocoa
matter, the declared composition must be sugar and pure cocoa. This sample
contravened the Labelling of Food Order.
The label on a tin of Health Salts also contravened the Labelling of
Food Order as it failed to state all the ingredients, but showed 40 per
cent, other constituents".
Four samples of Semolina were reported as Adulterated as your Analyst
considered they were too finely ground - from 96.12 per cent to 100 per cent
passing a 40 mesh sieve. The public expects a semolina which is more nearly
the size of seed tapioca, and not more than 40 per oent. should pass a 40
mesh sieve. It has unfortunately not been possible to obtain co-operation
on this point either from the semolina millers or from the Ministry of Food.
A sample of Honey was examined and found to contain invert sugar as well
as honey. An examination carried out by the local public analyst in the
neighbourhood where the honey was produced showed that the presence of invert
sugar was due to the artificial feeding of the bees. Hie sale of the product
was, therefore, permitted to continue, but it should be borne in mind by
bee-keepers that honey should really be collected from plants and not merely
transferred from a sugar store.
A sample of Beef Extract was examined and found to be mouldy, but enquiry
showed that it was very old stock, and that its manufacture had been discontinue
for some four years.
A sample of Wine was received which was stated to have been sold under a
well-known "Chateau" description. On examination the wine was found to possess
sin stroma more acrid and vinegary and a flavour definitely more vinegary than
that of the genuine wine. The wine was cloudy and did not decant readily?
whereas the genuine product decants readily from the bottle. The label on the
bottle failed also to comply with the requirements of the Labelling of Food
Order, 1950.
A sample of Friars Balssun was incorrectly labelled according to the
requirements of the Pharmacy and Medicines Act, 1941*
I have the honour to be, Madam Mayor3 Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
THOMAS McLACHLAN, A.C.G.F.C., F.R.I.C.
Public Analyst.