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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. Hamence, 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 311 informal samples were submitted to the
analyst, of these 19 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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