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for the enforcement of the provisions of the Act relating to
sampling of foods and drugs, and the Public Health Inspectors
are accordingly "Authorised Officers" under the Act.
(b) Public Analyst
It is the duty of every Food and Drugs Authority to appoint
a Public Analyst; the Analysts appointed by this Council in
accordance with the Act are Dr. J. H. Hammence, F.R.I.C., and
Mr. P. S. Hall, A.R.I.C., both of 20 Eastcheap, E.C.3.
The Analysts have been most helpful in advising on the types
and quantities of samples taken and any complicated points
relating to samples.
(c) Samples submitted for Analysis
During the year 318 informal samples were submitted to the
analyst, of these only 11 were found to be not genuine.
A few of these samples were submitted as a result of complaint,
but in the majority of cases the complaints were not
confirmed.
Informal samples are purchased by the sampling officers in
the same manner that the articles would be purchased by an
ordinary customer, no indication being given to the vendor that
the article is to be subjected to analysis, should the informal
sample however prove to be not genuine a formal sample is taken
and the vendor is notified to this effect and is given one part
of the sample for future reference.
The original purpose for sampling under the Food and Drugs
Act was in order to trace adulteration of foods and drugs.
Fortunately, this practice is not so common as it used to be in
the early part of the century. Sampling nowadays is carried out
to ensure that foods and drugs comply with the various legal
standards and codes of practice regarding composition, and do
not contain any harmful preservatives or colouring matter contrary
to the Regulations on these matters. Also to ensure that the
public are not being deceived by mis-descriptions or exaggerated
claims on labels or advertisements.
Duplicity of sampling by local authorities is difficult to
control, but fortunately as far as this area is concerned, consultations
are held at regular intervals with the adjoining
authorities where information on sampling is exchanged and
duplication is therefore reduced to a minimum.
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