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to contain alcohol to the extent of 2.86 per cent. equivalent to 5 per
cent. of proof spirit. Further enquiries showed that one or two
batches of this particular product were made in which the preservative,
sodium benzoate, was precipitated out and was therefore,
not present in the concentration required to exert preservative action.
The manufacturers immediately recalled the affected batches
and stated that steps would be taken to overcome the problem.
Margarine
One sample of margarine was contained in a wrapper which stated
that the product contained 25 per cent. fresh dairy cream. Section
32(2) of the Food and Drugs Act, 1938 required that where a label
stated or suggested that margarine contained butter, a statement of
the percentage of butter contained therein should also be given.
The wrapper stated the presence of 25 per cent. of fresh dairy cream
but no declaration of the proportion of butter fat though the analysis
showed this to be 10 per cent. In view of the fact that the matter
had been considered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Food, no further action was taken and the labelling of margarine
containing a percentage of cream has now been made quite clear
by the coming into operation of the Labelling of Food (Amendment)
Regulations, 1955.
Milk
A sample of South Devon milk was found to contain at least
3 per cent added water. Proceedings were authorised by the Council
and the vendors of the milk, who pleaded guilty in Court, fined a
total of £10 with £4 4s. Od. costs. In view of the fact that the demand
for this milk is mainly from families with young children or invalids
and the price is 1d. per pint more than ordinary pasteurised milk
it is deplorable that added water should be found.
The remaining unsatisfactory samples of milk related to bottles
which contain foreign substances.
In two instances where a snail and pieces of glass were found in
bottles proceedings.were taken and in each case the Court imposed
fines of £10.
Condensed Machine Skimmed Milk
As a result of a report appearing in the National Press that certain
condensed machine skimmed milk which had been released for animal
feeding purposes was being sold for human consumption visits were
made to grocers shops in the district and samples taken of a brand
being sold below the recognised price. Analysis showed some
contamination by copper and a rather high figure for acidity.
The milk was slightly brown in colour but was free from any
objectionable smell until heated when an objectionable smell was
immediately apparent.
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