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(c) Samples submitted for Analysis
During the year 240 informal samples and 14 formal samples
were submitted to the analyst, of which only 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 & 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.
Duplication 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.
As will be seen from the following table, a wide variety
of foods were sampled during the year.
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