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of minced beef at a butcher's shop revealed the presence of sulphur dioxide which is not permitted by
the Preservatives in Food Regulations, 1962. A subsequent formal sample was also proved on analysis
to contain sulphur dioxide as a preservative, contrary to the Regulations, and legal proceedings were
taken. The Magistrates imposed a fine of £15 and awarded £5. 5s. Od. costs to the Council A
successful prosecution followed the sale of sausage meat deficient in meat content, resulting in a
fine of £20 and the award of £8. 8s. Od costs to the Council. Sampling of certain imported foods
also revealed the presence of a preservative, Benzoic acid, which is not permitted in this country in
specified foods. The food articles concerned were egg, vegetable and fish products, all of which had
been imported from Germany where the use of this preservative is permitted. Consultations were held
with the importers concerned, resulting in agreement being reached on future importations. The
difficulty which importers face in attempting to comply with the multiplicity of food legislation would
be eased if general international standards could be agreed and adopted.
The Colouring Matter in Food Regulations, 1966, do not apply to drugs. It is Considered , however,
that in general, drugs intended for internal use should not contain colouring matter which is specifically
prohibited in foods. Sampling of one drug revealed the presence of a colouring matter, Rhodamine B,
which is not permitted in food. In this case the manufacturer was co-operative and agreed to
discontinue the use of this colour and replace it with one which is acceptable under the Regulations.
LABELLING OF FOOD ORDER
Samples of food and drugs subjected to chemical analysis were also scrutinised to determine
whether or not they complied where necessary with the requirements of the Labelling of Food Order,
1953, and the labelling provisions of other Regulations Irregularies in labelling were discovered in
84 instances and in all cases the attention of manufacturers and packers or importers was drawn to the
infringements. In the majority of cases arrangements were made to print new labels for stocks
immediately or undertakings were accepted that new labels would be designed and used as soon as
existing stocks became exhausted A summary of the irregularities found is as follows:-
BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF OTHER FOODS
In addition to the bacteriological examination of particular types of foods referred to in earlier
paragraphs of this report, 82samples of frozen seafoods of a wide variety were submitted to the
laboratory. The samples were from consignments imported into the Borough and released from the
Port of London without examination
Articles of food which were the subject of consumer complaints numbered 2 but no harmful
organisms were found on examination
Incorrect or inadequate description
No name and address
Incorrect or inadequate list of ingredients
9
12
6
15
7
25
4
6
No list of ingredients
Misleading statements
Use of generic terms
Inadequate size of printing
Incorrect statutory declaration
68.