View report page

76
There were 2,220 carcases of imported mutton examined for Caseous
Lymphadenitis by the cutting of the lymphatic glands. Of these, 3 or .13 per
cent were found diseased, as compared with .2 per cent in 1936.
779 chests of Tea Sweepings weighing 40 tons 17 cwts., were removed
from warehouses for chemical purposes.
A sample taken from a parcel of 750 cases of Californian Raisins landed
at a wharf in the Borough was, on analysis, found to contain 850 parts of
sulphur dioxide per million, which is in excess of the maximum permissible
quantity. A detention notice was served and the whole of the parcel subsequently
re-exported.
On 20th January, 23 cases containing 503 one-kilo and 1,030 half-kilo
tins of Anchovies in Salt were landed at a wharf in the Borough. As a number
of the tins were blown a detention notice was served and a full examination
made with the result that, with the exception of 150 one-kilo tins, the whole
of the parcel was, on external appearance, unsatisfactory. On notification
of this, the owners of the goods replied that "tins containing anchovies in
salt may look unsound but this is due to the maturity of the fish which is in
perfect condition," and asked for permission to draw samples for submission
to experts, which was granted. The experts subsequently reported that, in
their opinion, the condition of the one-kilo tins was due to slack tops; that
the contents were sound, and that the condition of the half-kilo tins was due
to the fact "that the fish were stale when first salted." One half-kilo tin,
one apparently sound, and one blown one-kilo tins, were analysed for tin
content. The former contained 3.86 grains per pound and the latter 1.21
and 3.69 grains per pound respectively. A one-kilo tin was submitted for
bacteriological examination and no evidence of decomposition was found
probably due to the large amount of salt content; a certain amount of gas
was evident, probably hydrogen. The fact of the presence of an excess of
tin in the majority of the tins rendered the contents unfit for food and the
whole of the parcel was destroyed.
It would appear that heavily salted fish kept in tin containers for any
length of time will act on the metal and absorb the tin, generating a gas in
the process, and thereby causing a blown tin.
Zeebrugge-Harwich and Calais-Harwich Train Ferry.—98 special midnight
and early morning visits were made by the Food Inspectors. In addition,
140 inspections were made by day.
At Bishopsgate Station.
The total weight of fresh fruit and vegetables examined was 9,514 tons.
This consisted of :—
Belgian Pears.
Bulgarian Grapes.
Dutch Lettuce.
Greek Grapes.
Hungarian Apricots, Cherries, Gooseberries, Grapes, Melons, Peaches,
Plums, Strawberries and Tomatoes.
Italian Apples, Apricots, Almonds, Cauliflowers, Cherries, Grapes,
Lemons, Melons, Onions, Oranges, Peaches, Pears, Peas, Plums,
Potatoes and Strawberry Pulp.
Roumanian Apples and Grapes.
Tasmanian Apples (via Switzerland).
Turkish Grapes and Melons,