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V. INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OF FOOD
The Food and Drugs act, 1955, together with part of the Food Hygiene
Regulations, 1955, which were made under the Act, came into operation on
1st January, 1956. The Act consolidates the Food and Drugs Act, 1938,
the Food and Drugs (Milk, Dairies and artificial Cream) Act, 1950, and
the Food and Drugs amendment act, 1954, together with certain sections of
the Slaughterhouses Act, 1954, and the Slaughter of Animals (Amendment)
Act, 1954.
Provision was made in the new legislation for certain changes in the
law, the more important of which are briefly summarised below:-
Food and Drugs Act. 1955.
1. In determining whether an article of food is injurious to health,
regard should also be had to the probable cumulative effect of consuming
the food over a long period.
2. The former defences relating to patent foods and proprietary medicines
have been removed.
3. Inspectors may examine and detain containers and vehicles, excepting
the detention of vehicles belonging to certain transport undertakings.
4. a court is now empowered, on the application of the Local Authority,
to disqualify a caterer who is convicted of a serious offence against
the Food Hygiene Regulations from using the premises as catering
premises for a period up to two years.
5. Certain changes have been made in the procedure relating to the
registration of food premises, including dairies. The time limit for
attendance before the Council following the service of a notice cancelling
or refusing registration is increased from 7 to 21 days, and the
applicant may be legally represented.
6. New provision has been made as to the description of cream substitutes.
7. Important changes have been provided for in the procedure relating to
sampling and analysis.
8. Powers are given to enter ships, aircraft, vehicles, etc., and to
restrict the movement of food imported into the district.
9. Penalties have been increased, and there is now no distinction in
penalties between first and subsequent offences.
10. The time limit within which prosecutions must be made in respect of
samples procured is increased from one month to two months for foods
other than milk.
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