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A number of complaints were received concerning the unsatisfactory condition
of milk bottles. The number is extremely small when related to the vast number
delivered within the borough every day, but the dairies have a responsibility to
ensure that food is delivered to the consumer in a sound and wholesome condition.
Regrettably, milk bottles receive considerable misuse by some members of the
general public, particularly casual purchasers who leave them lying around for long
periods and use them for substances which should never be placed in milk bottles.
The number of complaints received concerning dirty milk bottles would be reduced
appreciably if the sale of milk to casual purchasers was limited to milk in
non-returnable containers.
The Merchandise Marks Acts, 1887-1953 were repealed by the Trade Descriptions
Act, 1968, which came into force on the 1st November, 1968. The various
orders requiring the place of origin to be marked on certain designated foodstuffs
continue in force under the new Act.
The designated foodstuffs include honey, apples, tomatoes, dried fruit, eggs,
cucumbers, bacon and ham, poultry, meat, butter and margarine.
Unmarked goods are deemed to be home produced and administrative action
was taken in seven cases where retailers had omitted to mark foreign goods.
The Pharmacy and Medicines Acts, 1852 to 1941, make provision to prohibit
certain advertisements relating to medical matters, and amend the law relating to
medicines. Formal samples are only taken following the finding of an unsatisfactory
informal sample and where the circumstances indicate the necessity. There were no
infringements.
Food Unlit for Human Consumption
All kinds of foods are inspected for fitness for human consumption and frequent
requests are received for the inspection of canned goods at wholesale depots. In all,
40 tons 0 cwt. 3 qtr. 11 lb. of food were condemned by the Department. No instance
of unfit food offered for sale was found.
Food Hygiene
The Food Hygiene (General) Regulations, 1960, and the Food Hygiene (Market,
Stalls and Delivery Vehicles) Regulations, 1966, as amended, lay down requirements
in respect of cleanliness of food premises and stalls, etc. Prosecutions for offences
in respect of two premises were taken, and fines and costs totalling £55 5s. Od. were
imposed.
There are two food manufacturers within the borough who export food, and to
comply with the regulations of the importing countries a certificate of fitness must
accompany the food. Seven certificates were issued.
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