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Included in the above Table are 90 informal samples which were
examined at the office.
I would like to comment briefly on the samples found to be
unsatisfactory.
Bread
A small loaf was submitted for analysis following a complaint
made by the purchaser alleging that it contained rodent excreta.
Examination showed that the foreign matter in the loaf consisted
of fragments of earthy matter which was probably due to the dough
having been dropped in the bakehouse. There was no evidence of
rodent excreta.
Currants and Dried Mixed Fruit
As a result of a complaint four twelve ounce packets of dried
fruit were submitted to the Public Analyst. Two of the packets
when examined were found to contain living maggots, together with
traces of insect web and insect excreta. Some of the currants had
completely disintegrated as a result of the insect attack. When the
remaining stock of this commodity in the shop was examined further
packets were found to be heavily infested and were condemned
as being unfit for food. Legal proceedings were instituted against
the shopkeeper who was fined £4 with £6 15s. Od. costs.
Crystallised Pineapple Chunks
This sample consisted of boiled sweets with an artificial pineapple
flavour. The sweets contained no pineapple fruit and were considered
to be misdescribed as "crystallised pineapple chunks."
Dr. Hamence, the Public Analyst, in his report stated that in his
opinion the description "crystallised pineapple chunks" was unsatisfactory
as it is firmly established that the term "crystallised pineapple"
means pineapple preserved in sugar. Some discretion must
be exercised where the description of sweets or sugar confectionery
is concerned. If the description of quite a number of boiled sweets
which have been on the market for many years is considered critically
in the light of modern labelling ideas, a number of them could
be regarded as being false and misleading. A sweet merely described
as "pineapple chunks" would probably fall within the latter category
but in view of established practice no serious objection could be
taken.
Dried Milk
As a result of a complaint from a School Canteen Supervisor a
sample of dried milk supplied to the canteen was submitted for
analysis. The milk, when reconstituted, was found to contain a number
of black specks. Examination of these particles showed that
they consisted of small fragments of burnt milk. This scorching must,
obviously, have taken place during manufacture and as straining
failed to remove all the particles the manufacturers agreed to replace
the affected bag.
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