View report page

31
FOOD AND DRUGS ACT, 1955.
Details of samples submitted to the Public Analyst
during the year are set out in the attached tabulated statement.
The following are the reports of action taken in respect
of samples which were the subject of adverse comment.
Canned Beef Steak with Gravy - The Analyst reported that
the sample contained 65% of meat,but that in his opinion a
reasonable minimum meat content for beef steak with gravy should
be 75%. Follow-up procedure revealed that the standard required
for such products was being discussed between the trade and the
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Beef Steak and Kidney Pie contaminated with Mould GrowthA
thorough investigation was made of the manner in which this
commodity came to be sold. As the result of representations to
the vendor, the department suggested the adoption of a complete
new code of practice, including date stamping of all perishable
meat products, storage at 40ºF. and a maximum shelf life of
forty-eight hours. The firm extended the system to all their
branches and so far it has functioned with complete satisfaction.
Chocolate Cream Bun- This article contained a substance
which resembled cream but was, in fact, imitation cream. The firm
were notified, and it transpired that the article had been
labelled contrary to the directions of the management. An undertaking
was given to label such articles satisfactorily in future.
Beef Steak and Kidney Pies contaminated with Mould Growth
At least three pies were sold to different customers and it was
ascertained that they had been sold four days after delivery to
the vendor. The firm were prosecuted and were fined £45 and
ordered to pay 11 guineas costs.
Pork Pie contaminated with Mould Growth - In this case the
pie had been retained by the retailer for a period of nine days.
Legal proceedings were authorised, but the complainant was unwilling
to give evidence. As she was a material witness it was considered
advisable not to proceed.
Frankfurter Sausages containing evidence of mould growth
These sausages were sold to the complainant twenty days after they
had been packed. As the result of exhaustive enquiries it was
concluded that the shopkeeper was not to blame and that some error
was made by the employees of the manufacturers. Legal proceedings
were instituted, the firm pleaded guilty and a fine of £10 was
imposed together with costs amounting to four guineas.
Rice - This sample consisted of broken rice, but the
description did not appear conspicuously and in a prominent
position on the label as is required by the Labelling of Food
Order 1956. The packers of this commodity were informed of the
Analyst's comments and they undertook to label their products
properly in future.
As was mentioned last year, the frequency with which complaints
are made concerning the sale of pre-packed perishable
articles which are stale suggests that such products should be
clearly marked with the date of manufacture. There are considerable
difficulties in making date stamping a legal requirement,
but it is felt that sooner or later manufacturers of
perishable products will require to adopt a satisfactory method
of marking so that if there is laxity on the part of the retailers
or manufacturers the consumer has an opportunity of checking
whether or not the article is fresh. Some firms go to great