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specified first in the description whereas in this sample the ingredient
by far in the smallest proportion was named first.
The Analyst considered that the label was consequently misleading.
The matter was taken up with the manufacturers and
they replied that they had already dealt with the matter and that in
future the preparation would be called " Cheese Spread with Ham,"
which complies with the Labelling of Food Order. This was
reported to the Committee who decided that no further action
should be taken in this matter.
Whisky
Several samples of spirits were taken during the period in which
this Authority was the Food and Drugs Authority and one sample
of Whisky was found to contain 64.5% of proof spirit which is below
the legal standard which is 65%. The deficiency represented a
little under 1% of water being added to the whisky of minimum
legal strength. On reporting the matter to the Committee they
decided that as the contravention was so slight a warning letter be
sent.
One sample of the number which were examined by the Public
Health Department was found to be unsatisfactory, this being a
sample of Ham Cheese Spread in which the ham was in a far
less proportion by weight than the cheese. A letter was written
to the manufacturers and they informed us that the description
of the product to be applied when reprinting labels would be
"Cheese Spread with Ham" which complies with the Labelling
of Food Order.
During the six months in which the Council has been a Food
and Drugs Authority considerable work has been carried out in
this connection and much experience has been gained.
No Food and Drugs Authority can take but a very small
proportion of samples compared with the total amount of food
consumed. Consequently it is of great importance that the
samples to be taken should be selected with great care and many
factors must be taken into consideration.
It is obvious that the pre-packed foods are as a whole less liable
to adulteration than loose foods but a small proportion of samples
of such foods must be taken. An endeavour is made not to sample
foods which it is known other authorities have already found to
be satisfactory. A constant watch is kept for new types of foods,
packings and manufacturers and if there is suspicion that the
article is not properly described or not of the substance or quality
demanded, samples are taken.
As this is the first report to this Council on Food and Drugs
and is for a comparatively short period of six months, I feel that
considerable progress has been made and every endeavour will in
the future be made to set a high standard and to maintain such
standard.
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