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14 contraventions of the Imported Food Regulations were discovered.
8 consignments were without Official Certificates and the appropriate action
taken which resulted in two consignments being re-exported and six consignments
being released on. undertakings being given not to use the food
for sale for human consumption Six consignments were partly unfit and
151 lbs. of foodstuffs were condemned and destroyed.
The bacteriological examinations of imported foods, which was commenced
as routine practice in 1958, was again carried out and 12 samples
were submitted for analysis to the Public Health Laboratory Service. No
pathogenic organisms were found in any of the samples but consignments
of a commodity known as Gypsy Pork Roast which is ham, roasted and
smoked, have been giving cause for anxiety because of very high bacterial
counts found.
Unfortunately there is no legal bacteriological standard of either home
produced or imported meat or meat products.
In such cases where no standard exists the advice of the Public Health
Laboratory service is sought and its advice taken.
The Importer concerned with the consignment of Gypsy Pork Roast
has been warned of the sample results we have been obtaining, and investigations
are still proceeding both in this country and the country of origin
with the manufactured food concerned.