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In the first case the Committee was informed that the foreign material
was in fact edible oil used as a lubricant in the dough mixer, and consequently
no further action was authorised.
When, however, the second case was reported, legal proceedings were
authorised because a cigarette end was found embedded in a loaf. During
the proceedings the bakery firm laid information against their foreman,
alleging neglect on his part, and to which charge he pleaded guilty. The
Court fined him £1. The Company however failed to prove they had used
all diligence to secure compliance with the Act and were fined £15 with
2 guineas costs and a further 7/6d. for witnesses fees.
In considering the reports of the Public Analyst for the year 1951, it
is fitting to mention the following which may be items of interest to the
reader.
1. Sample of Crystallised Pineapple. This was preserved with sulphur
dioxide to the extent of 250 parts per million. The quantity was 2i times
that permitted by the Public Health (Preservatives, etc., in Food) Regulations,
namely 100 parts per million.
No further action was taken because this being an informal sample it
was not possible to obtain a formal sample for dividing into three parts.
2. A specimen tin with every appearance of being blown, and containing
Sugar Cane Molasses was submitted to the Public Analyst for his
report. A copy of his report is given below in full. No further action was
necessary.
"This sample consisted of an unopened l¾lb. tin 'blown' at both ends.
When the end was pierced however no internal pressure was observed.
The smell of the molasses and the results of bacteriological examination
suggested that fermentation was taking place, but the presence of only 0.2%
of proof spirit indicated that any fermentation was insignificant.
Analysis of the molasses for harmful arsenical and metallic contamination
yielded negative results.
I am therefore of the opinion that, as the molasses have not fermented,
and as it has not taken up any metallic contamination, it is safe for human
consumption in these respects."
3. Specimens of nuts were submitted for report because it was alleged
that illness had been caused by their consumption. Again the Public
Analyst's report is given in full as a matter of interest.
"I have analysed these nuts for harmful arsenical and metallic contamination
but with negative results. The oil extracted from these nuts is
practically neutral and free from rancidity. I have therefore been unable
to find any cause for the illness which followed consumption of these nuts.
It should be noted however, as is natural, that these nuts contain a very
high percentage of oil, namely 37.3%."
4. One sample of pork sausages was reported to contain 65% of meat,
or 5% deficiency. It was not possible to repeat the sample because of the
difficulty of supply.
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