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The above samples require little additional comment but it will be
noted that 5 unsatisfactory results originated directly and one indirectly
from complaints.
Oranges have been noted separately under Thiourea.
Thiourea in Oranges.
Thiourea is a chemical used in certain cases to prevent mould
growth 011 oranges and was the subject of a special representation to us
by the Ministry of Food earlier in the year. On checking samples,
we found in fact that Thiourea was present both in the peel and pulp
of Spanish oranges sampled by us and being sold in this district. In
view, however, of the fact that the matter was only then receiving
national publicity and might not have been fully appreciated even in
the trade, it was decided that representation should be made to the
appropriate Ministry and to the Spanish Trade Authorities with a view
to preventing trouble.
It should be mentioned that although Thiourea has not, in humans,
had any proved toxic effects in the concentrates likely to be found in
oranges, it had in America been suspected and it was presumably thought
that the situation was sufficiently serious as to justify the issue of advice
011 the subject by the Ministry of Food.
Later in the year, further samples of Spanish oranges were taken
and a concentration of Thiourea was found greater than that found in
the earlier samples. In these circumstances and in the circumstances
of the particular case, it was decided that a prosecution should be taken
and accordingly at Romford Police Court 011 the 16th September 1954
the offending firm was fined 10/-. It may seem relatively trivial that