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following comments:Fish
A purchase of smoked haddock proved to be cod and the inexperienced manager of
the shop from which the fish was purchased was cautioned.
Sweets
Three samples of milk chocolate brandy creams and one sample of rum truffles
proved to be deficient in alcohol content. Investigation suggested that the alcohol
content of such sweets declines rapidly with storage and whilst the alcoholic flavour
remains, the actual alcohol content is difficult to determine. Negotiations were
entered into with the manufacturers who agreed to alter the descriptions of the
sweets concerned.
Merchandise Marks Act, 1887-1953
The majority of inspection work carried out under the provisions of these Acts
relates to insuring that the requirements of the various marking orders made under
the provisions of the Act of 1926 are complied with. These orders apply to the marking
of the country of origin on imported foodstuffs principally meat, apples, tomatoes,
dried fruits, bacon, ham, poultry, butter and honey upon sale and exposure for sale.
Inspections were made at 248 premises of 958 displays of these foodstuffs. Most of
the infringements detected were of a minor nature and were dealt with by verbal
warnings. Stronger action however was taken in the following cases:-
Legal proceedings were instituted against a butchery company for false trade
descriptions of origin on Argentine steak. The company was fined £10 on each of two
summonses and was ordered to pay £4. 4. Od. costs. Fifteen summonses were issued
against a second butchery company for false trade descriptions of Australian and
Argentine lamb and beef. The company cross summoned the manager of the shop concerned
and was granted an absolute discharge whilst the manager was fined a total of
£32 on sixteen summonses. Five summonses were issued against a third company for
falsely describing the origin of Australian lamb. A fine of £1 on each summons was
imposed. Twelve summonses were issued against another company for removing indications
of origin from Chilean meat. Fines totalling £36 were imposed and an order for
£12. 12. Od. costs was made, and a further company was fined £2 on each of two
summonses and ordered to pay £2. 2. Od. costs for displaying Argentinean and Chilean
meat not bearing an indication of origin.
It will be apparent that in the early months of 1960 there was a high incidence
of this type of offence in the borough of Hendon. Since these prosecutions, however,
a considerable improvement in the labelling and marking of meat has been noted.
Labelling of Food Order, 1953
This Order requires prepacked food to be marked with the name and address or with
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