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Meat and Meat Products. Two samples of tinned beef procured
from a butcher were found to have been preserved with sulphur
dioxide. Proceedings were undertaken and the company fined £3
with £4 12s. 0d. costs.
Vinegar. Samples of vinegar from three retailers were found
deficient in acetic acid. A genuine vinegar should contain at least
4 per cent. of acetic acid, and it would appear that these samples had
fallen below the minimum due to deterioration during storage. Subsequent
sampling revealed genuine vinegar, and no further action
was taken.
Miscellaneous. Plain flour supplied to a school kitchen was
found by the cook to behave in an unexpected manner when used in
a small quantity of gravy. Analysis disclosed that it contained 38%
of Sodium Bicarbonate. The millers had uncovered similar trouble
from the equivalent batch and suspected sabotage by an aggrieved
employee. In view of the circumstances they were given an official
caution.
The Public Control Department also reported upon the following
matters:—
Merchandise Marks Acts, 1887—1953. The majority of the
inspection work carried out under the provisions of the above Acts
relates to ensuring that the requirements of the various Marking
Orders made under the provisions of the Act of 1926, and which
relate to the marking with an indication of origin of certain imported
foodstuffs when exposed for sale or sold, are complied with. Inspections
were made at 237 premises of 772 displays of meat, apples,
tomatoes, poultry, butter and dried fruit.
Any infringements detected were of a minor nature, and were
dealt with by verbal warnings.
Two prosecutions were undertaken under the main Act. One
was in relation to the application of a false trade description of
measure to bulk milk delivered by a farmer to a receiving depot
within this district. The company concerned was convicted but given
an absolute discharge on the payment of £11 14s. 0d. costs. The
other prosecution was in respect of a delivery of meat to a Finchley
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