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65
During the year these totalled 52, although on investigation
not all were substantiated. As usual the staple commodities of
bread (22) and milk (13) were most often brought to notice. The
common complaint regarding milk was due to the discovery of
foreign matter such as cement, adhering to the glass of the bottle.
Such complaints originated due to misuse of the bottle by a previous
customer and the failure of the Dairy to notice that the bottle
washing plant had failed to remove the matter.
Complaints concerning bread and flour confectionery became
so numerous that the Committee decided that letters should be
addressed to all persons, baking and handling these products,
asking for co-operation in preventing such occurrences. This had
a salutary effect and although instances have not ceased, they have
become less frequent. Amongst the articles found in bread, etc.,
were oil, grit, metal and wood. There were also a number of
instances of loaves being sold in a mouldy condition.
Other items of food which were the subject of complaint were:
(a) Unpleasant taste of mineral water (tainted by a stopper).
(b) Insects in imported cheese and tinned fish. (These
matters were subsequently raised with the authorities in the
exporting countries).
(c) Bitter vegetable marrow. (Due to natural causes).
Prosecutions under the Food and Drugs Act were instituted as
follow:—
Oil and cotton wool in bread—fined £30, plus £5 5s. costs.
Lubricating oil in bread—fined £30, plus £5 5s. costs.
Mould growth in milk—fined £15, plus £5 5s. costs.
Mouse droppings in bread—fined £15, plus £3 3s. costs.
Mould growth in bread—fined £40, plus £3 3s. costs.
Mould growth in milk—fined £25, plus £10 10s. costs.
Mould Growth in meat pie—fined £25, plus £5 5s. costs.
Metal in bread—fined £10, plus £10 10s. costs.