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MINCE
During 1963 proprietary preparations containing substantial proportions
of nicotinic acid and ascorbic acid were widely being used to
redden the natural red colour of raw meat.
Following the use of excessive proportions of these mixtures, which
resulted on occasions in people consuming the meat suffering unpleasant
symptoms, the use of these substances in raw meat was
prohibited by the Meat Treatment Regulations, 1964.
A number of samples of mince were obtained early in the year
and one was found to contain small additions of both nicotinic acid
and ascorbic acid, contrary to the Regulations.
In subsequent Court proceedings, the case against the butcher was
dismissed due to a technical fault in the service of the summons.
CREAM HORNS
Cream is defined in the Food & Drugs Act, 1955, as that part of
milk rich in butter fat, separated by skimming or otherwise.
The pastries forming this particular sample were very clearly marked
“CREAM HORNS” but the fat in the cream constituent of the
sample consisted of imitation cream containing no butter fat and
the pastries were therefore misdescribed.
At a subsequent Court hearing, the baker concerned was fined £10
with £5 5s. Od. costs.
PORK SAUSAGES
The Preservative in Food Regulations permit sausages to be preserved
with sulphur dioxide to the extent of 450 parts per million
always provided that the presence of preservative is made known to
the purchaser.
Two samples purchased contained preservative within the permitted
limit but no declaration was made at the time of sale.
The sausages were satisfactory in respect of their meat content.
Both butchers concerned were given warnings.
SHANDY
An informal sample of tinned Shandy was found to contain 1.05
per cent Alcohol (proof spirit) which in the opinion of the Council's
Analyst, was poor for an article so described. Following communications
with the manufacturers it was learned that they had recently
increased the alcohol content of their Shandy to a minimum of 1.5
per cent proof spirit and that it appeared that the tin examined was
old stock.
SPIRIT OF SAL-VOLATILE, B.P.C.
This sample was deficient in free ammonia. The minimum proportion
of free ammonia prescribed by the British Pharmaceutical Codex is
1.12 per cent whereas this sample was found to contain only 0.78 per
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