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150
FOODS SUBJECT OF COMPLAINT.
A total of 144 complaints about articles of food were
received during the year, all were thoroughly investigated and
appropriate action taken. Moulds and foreign bodies are the
main reasons for complaint, the variety of the latter are
endless and included during this year were flies, nails, wire
mesh, wood, cement, glass, slug, brass bolt and cloth.
Enquiries following the report of a lire earthworm being
sucked up a straw from a bottle of milk failed to ascertain how
it gained access. In two instances sabotage by food firms'
employees was suspected, one in respect of cakes in which matches
had been packed and the other a number of bottles of milk containing
extraneous material.
Failure by retailers to maintain effective stock rotation
continues to result in foodstuffs being sold out of condition on
occasion. This is particularly important with perishable foods
such as sausages, pies and wrapped bakery goods which are subject
to mould growth. Attention of retailers is being constantly
drawn to the need for coding such wrapped commodities so that the
length of time they have been in stock is known.
The following complaints were considered sufficiently serious
to necessitate taking proceedings.
Loaf containing wire.
Legal proceedings were instituted and a fine of £25 with
£10.4.0. costs imposed.
Mouldy Loaf.
Legal proceedings were instituted against the retailer in
respect of this sale. The case was found to be proved but it
was held that the defendants had a defence under Sections 113 and
115 of the Food and Drugs Act, 1955. The suppliers, who had been
joined in the action by the retailers, pleaded guilty and were
fined £30 and ordered to pay 16 guineas costs to the retailers.
An application for costs against the Council was refused.
Metal in Bread.
Three firms were prosecuted in respect of offences relating
to the sale of bread containing metal. In each case the
defendants pleaded guilty.
(a) Fined £15 with £6.6.0. costs.
(b) Fined £25 with £10.10.0. costs.
(c) Fined £20 with £10.10.0. costs.