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49
Pea in Bottle of Lemon Barley. A most unusual case. In the absence
of a seal on the bottle9 it is not known at what stage the foreign body
was introduced.
Dirty Milk Bottles. Two cases were reported during the year.
Both related to hard mineral substances adhering to the inner surfaces
of the bottles. In both eases the sealing processes at the dairies
rendered the bottles sterile and the contents were not, therefore,
unfit for food. The dairies concerned were warned and they have undertaken
to ensure stricter supervision in order to avoid a repetition.
The public could co-operate to a greater extent by ensuring that milk
bottles are not misused.
Rubber Band in Butter. Investigation at the shop confirmed that
the band was one used for semiring egg cartons. The Manager agreed to
keep the box of bands in a position less likely to cause trouble, while
the assistants were warned to exercise greater care.
Alleged Contamination of Pine Oatmeal. The consignment was made in
a hurry and due care was not exercised to ensure that the grinding stone
was completely free from fibrous grain before a change to oat flour. The
oatmeal, however, was not considered to be unfit for human consumption.
Alleged foreign matter in Pork Luncheon Meat. This sample was
submitted to the Public Analyst who reported that in his opinion the
blemish in the pack was probably due to a little of the raw minced
meat and cereal preparation having been left behind in the blender
or other part of the plant, and that in the interval before a subsequent
batch was put through it had been discoloured by oxidation and by
absorption of iron. There was no evidence of decomposition of meat.
The manufacturers were informed so that their attention could be
directed to any fault which may have occurred during processing.
Of the remaining six complaints, four referred to food sold out of
conditions, one to a minor foreign body and the other to a fault in
manufacture. Fewer complaints have been received which could be
attributable to lack of care in stock rotation. It is to be hoped that
retailers will continue to focus attention on this important aspect of
the trade. In the present era of severe competition in the food trade
it must surely be good business to ensure that foods are served as fresh
as possible; the cause of clean and safe food will be advanced at the
same time.