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(vi) The Food and Drugs Act, 1955.
During 1958, 350 samples were submitted for analysis, comprising
one Formal, and 349 Informal. Table 13 sets out the types of food
examined.
Of the 349 informal samples taken, 27 proved to be not genuine.
Eleven of these did not call for any particular action. The Public
Analyst reported as follows on the remaining 16 :
Baked Fruit Pudding
This sample was submitted as the result of a complaint that it had
a "soapy taste," the examination showed that the objectionable taste
was due to the use of rancid oil or fat. This information was forwarded
to the school canteen where the pudding was made.
Ice Lollies (2)
i. This sample was found to be not genuine on two counts. In the
first instance examination showed that it contained lead to the extent
of 1.6 parts per million. The lead content should not exceed 1.0 parts
per million.
Secondly, the list of ingredients printed on the wrapper in which
the lolly was sold stated:—
"Sugar, saccharin, citric acids, milk solids, pectin, saccharin
and colouring."
Examination of this lolly showed that it contained no appreciable
quantity of fruit pulp and the proportion of fruit juice was less than
2 per cent, and that the lolly was poor in respect of its content of milk
solids.
This information was forwarded to the authority in whose area the
lolly was manufactured.
ii. This sample was described on the wrapper as being a "Pure Fruit
Lolly."
On examination it was found that the fruit juice content did not
exceed 1 per cent, which quantity, in the opinion of the Public Analyst,
was insufficient to justify the description " Pure Fruit Lolly."
Whilst it is not suggested that an article described as a pure fruit
lolly should be prepared entirely from fruit juice, nevertheless it is not
unreasonable to expect that the fruit juice content should net be less
than that required to be present in a fruit drink prepared for direct
consumption without dilution.
The minimum quantity of fruit juice required by the Soft Drinks
Order is 5 per cent.
This information was forwarded to the authority in whose area the
lolly was manufactured, and improvements were obtained.