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procured from retail shops based on these examinations of
labelled displays of natural foods, where there is doubt as to
the accuracy of the label, or where there is need for further
examination. The inspectors of the Department have over a
number of years acquired aconsiderable expertise in the identification
of cuts of meat and of varieties of fish and fruit.
The only infringement arising in your District was in relation
to the seedlees Clementines mentioned in the last paragraph.
During 1962 new regulations have been introduced dealing
with emulsifiers and stabilisers in food, and dealing with
preservatives in food. In addition there has been an amended
Pood Standard relating to table jellies. The effect of the
Regulations dealing with emulsifiers and stabilisers and with
preservatives, is to define and limit the additives which are
permitted and, (in the case of preservatives), to extend the
range of foods and the types of preservatives which are allowed,
but nevertheless closely limiting the quantities of such preservatives.
No infringement arising from the new Regulations
has been reported during the year.
"Merchandise Marks Act. 1887 - 19S3. Inspections are carried
out under the above Acts to ensure that the requirements of the
various Marking Orders relating to the indication of origin of
imported foodstuffs are applied. Inspections were made at 107
premises, and stacks and displays of meat (28), apples (86),
tomatoes (48), poultry (5), butter (103), dried fruit (80), and
other foods (12), were examined. Only minor breaches of the
Orders which were dealt with by warnings, have been disclosed.
Under the provisions of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, it is
an offence to apply false trade descriptions to goods. For
selling eggs under the description "small eggs" (which should
weigh between one and one half ounces and one ounce ten drams),
six eggs all of which were less than one ounce and one half, a
firm of butchers were prosecuted, and were given absolute discharge
on payment of five guineas towards the costs.
"The Labelling of Food Order. 1953. This Order requires prepacked
food to be marked with the name and address of the packer
or labeller, or to bear a registered trade mark; to be marked
with its common or usual name or its appropriate designation;
and to bear a statement of ingredients if the food consists of
more than one ingredient. It controls the manner in which the
presence of vitamins and minerals is disclosed. A total of
forty five premises have been visited in connection with the
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