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71
the self service system obviously tends to interfere with the proper
rotation of stock. The large food producers, although prepared
to provide machinery of the highest order to detect the presence
of impurities, are in fact, unable to prevent offences arising from
the human element.
A great deal of the Inspectors' time is occupied in the detailed
investigation of these foods complaints. Premises must be examined;
assistants interviewed; the possibility of errors or misrepresentations
on the part of complainants considered. Analysts' reports and manufacturers'
comments obtained; the constituents of the article traced
back to their sources and reports called for from the various Local
Authorities concerned. Similarly, a considerable proportion of the
Committee's deliberations is devoted to this subject.
Forty-six investigations, along these lines, were conducted in
1961, compared with 33 in the previous year. The largest number
referred to cereals, bread and flour confectionery, which were found
to contain impurities, such as wire or stray insects. Perhaps more
serious were those sold in a condition indicative of undue age,
such as rotten eggs, infested cereal and mould on sausages, pies and
confectionery. Complaints about dirty milk bottles appear to be
on the decrease although the misuse to which these receptables are
subject is a very convincing reason for the Dairy Companies to
press forward with plans to utilise non-returnable containers.
Other interesting investigations concerned tainted fruit squash
traced to a spray used on the oranges concerned, and a wasp found
in frozen raspberries, where the occurrence was drawn to the attention
of the authorities in the exporting country.
The following prosecutions were instituted :—
Sale of rotten eggs—fined £20 plus £5 5s. costs.
Mould in puff pastry—case adjourned sine die.
Maggots in cake mix—fined £20.
Mould in sponge cake—fined £10 plus £6 5s. costs.
Bristles in loaf—fined £30 plus £10 10s. costs.
Wire in loaf—fined £15 plus £7 7s. costs.
Decaying matter in bottle of milk—fined £30 plus £5 5s. costs.
Mould in meat pie—fined £10 plus £5 5s. costs.
Mould in meat pie—fined £10 plus £5 5s. costs.
Metal in meat pie—fined £25 plus £5 5s. costs.
Mould on sausages—fined £20 plus £7 7s. costs.
Mould on meat pie—fined £10 plus £6 15s. costs.