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85
Two samples of pork sausage submitted to the Public Analyst during the
first quarter of 1954 were found to contain only 57 per cent. and 56 per cent.
of meat respectively, being therefore deficient in meat to the extent of 8 and
9 per cent., compared with the standard referred to above. Although there
is no longer a legal standard, Public Analysts are of the opinion that sausages
should conform to the above-mentioned Order.
The Public Health Committee resolved that no justifiable statutory
action was possible in this case.
Bread (half a loaf).
The outer crust and one thick slice of bread were submitted for
examination for the purpose of identifying some small greyish-black foreign
bodies which were embedded near the top of the outer crust.
The Analyst reported that they consisted essentially of masses of
dough, and that approximately a quarter of their weight consisted of oil.
The characteristics of the oil were similar to those of white slab oil used
for greasing tins and not those of an oil used for lubricating purposes.
Ice Cream.
An informal sample of ice cream was found on examination to contain
only 4.3 per cent. of fat, whereas the Food Standards (Ice Cream) Order,
1953, requires that ice cream shall contain a minimum of 5 per cent. of fat.
This sample was therefore deficient in fat to the extent of 14 per cent. of the
prescribed standard of 5 per cent. In respect of the other requirements of
the Ice Cream Order, namely, the percentage of sugar and the percentage
of milk solids other than milk fat, the sample was satisfactory.
Further formal samples of ice cream from the same manufacturer were
obtained, and it was found that the standard required was being complied
with.
Butter Walnuts and Butter Almonds
In August an informal sample of butter walnuts was reported by the
Public Analyst as being unsatisfactory, in that the description " butter "
was false and misleading.
Further formal samples of butter walnuts and butter almonds were
taken and submitted to the Public Analyst and were similarly described.
Representations were made to the manufacturers.
Oatmeal.
A local grocer submitted for examination a portion of fine oatmeal.
Following examination, the Analyst reported that in his opinion it
consisted, not of pure oatmeal, but of a mixture of barley flour and oatmeal.
A further formal sample was obtained, but this proved to be genuine.
Lead Contamination of Ice Lollies—Special Investigation.
As a result of a complaint received from a neighbouring Borough when
an ice lolly, alleged to have been made in Leyton, had been found to contain
lead in excess of the recommended limit of 1 part per million (1.4 parts per
million) a special investigation was carried out, and the following is an
extract from the report of the Chief Sanitary Inspector to the Public Health
Committee.