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50
English Cheddar Cheese. This was alleged to have been in an unsatisfactory
condition when bought. The method of storage, display and sale
at the retail premises was perfectly satisfactory, and similar portions of
cheese on display were quite normal in appearance and taste. However, it
was found that, on exposure to room temperature for a few hours the cheese
became oily on the surface. This was thought to be a fault in manufacture.
The whole of the stock was, therefore, withdrawn by the producers who were
anxious to trace the cause and rectify it.
Corned Beef Loaf. The meat was unfit for consumption and the can was
slightly perforated beneath the metal tab to which the key was attached.
It was impossible to ascertain, due to the prolonged storage by the complainant,
when the perforation or the decomposition of the meat occurred.
Mouldy Packet of Prunes. Mould was found on the fruit although the
packets appeared to be new. A number of other packets of this product were
opened, but no mould growth of any kind was detected. However, to avoid
any risk, all the stock bearing the same code mark as the offending packet
was returned to the importers.
Assorted Cakes. The cakes were sold in a stale condition. The manufacturer's
system of distribution appeared to be satisfactory, the fault, however, seemed
to lie in the absence of a proper method of stock rotation at the place of
purchase. The Manager and staff were given advice and a stern warning to
exercise greater care.
Lamb Chops (Foreign Matter). This matter was found, upon examination, to
be animal faeces which had become lodged under a fold in the animal fat when
the carcase was dressed by the slaughterman, and which remained there when the
fat set during the freezing process.
Milk Bottle containing Cap. It was ascertained that the cap had been
cleansed during the bottle washing process, but obviously its presence was
undesirable. The Company promised to exercise greater vigilance in the checking
of bottles before refilling.
Mould Growth in Pork Pie. Following upon a complaint that a mouldy pie
had been sold from a shop in the town, enquiries elicited the fact that the
article had been sold ten days after receipt from the manufacturer.
Investigations revealed considerable laxity in stock rotation on the part of
the retailer and also that the manufacturer's methods of distribution were
in need of revision. Legal proceedings were instituted against the shopkeeper
and a fine of £5. was imposed, in addition to costs of 2 guineas.
The remaining twelve cases of complaint related to a number of minor
matters mainly concerned with alleged odd flavours or food sold out of
condition. Often in these cases the product is brought to the office some
time after purchase when it is not possible to assess its condition at th6
time of sale. All such cases are, however, investigated, as on occasions
these enquiries reveal faults in handling which require attention.