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26
Included in the above Table are 97 informal samples which were
examined at the office.
The number of unsatisfactory samples was only one quarter of
the number so reported in 1956. I would like to comment briefly on
them.
Milk
A formal sample of South Devon Milk was found to contain only
3.85 per cent. of milk fat instead of the minimum quantity of 4 per
cent. prescribed by the Milk and Dairies (Channel Islands and
South Devon Milk) Regulations, 1956.
A summons, in respect of this offence, was heard at the Barnet
Magistrates' Court on 1st May, 1957, when the defendants were
granted an absolute discharge on the payment of £4 18s. Od. costs.
Vitadex Tablets
These tablets, manufactured by a local chemist, were advertised
as being "The new health drink in tablet form containing Vitamins
B and C plus energising glucose." Examination showed the tablets
to be of an effervescing preparation and to contain Vitamins B and
C in accordance with the advertisement. However, no declaration
of the ingredients was given on the label of the container in which
they were sold as is required by the Labelling of Food Order, 1953.
In addition the tablets having been stated to contain Vitamins B and
C, no declaration of the proportions of these vitamins per ounce
was given on the label or in the advertisement as is required by the
above mentioned Order.
A letter was sent to the chemist concerned and the advertisement
was immediately withdrawn and labels provided for the bottles
in accordance with the Labelling of Food Order.
Chicken Noodle Soup
I commented in my last Annual Report on the unsatisfactory
result obtained on the examination of a dry Soup Mix.
A sample of the above soup examined showed that when prepared
in accordance with the instructions the powder was diluted approximately
fifteen times and the resulting soup, whilst palatable,
contained between 0.5 and 0.6 per cent. of chicken meat.
The label stated "Taste the chicken" but it was doubtful from the
composition of the powder whether there was sufficient chicken
present to impart a real chicken flavour and the main flavour was
possibly due to the presence of a flavouring agent.
It is understood that the question of the meat content of soups
is now under review by Public Analysts and it is hoped that in view
of the fact that these soup powders are now sold in very large quantities
the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will give
consideration to the question of laying down standards for the
composition of such articles.