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SECTION E
FOOD AND DRUGS
The Chief Public Health Inspector reports:—
Food and Drugs Act, 1955
The following matters were reported to the Public Health Committee
who took the action indicated:—
(a) Complaints
(1) A can of rice pudding purchased at a local shop was alleged to
have caused food poisoning. The rice was prepared and canned by a
well known firm, at the factory in the north of England.
Investigations made at the factory by the Medical Officer of Health
of that area indicated that conditions of manufacture were satisfactory.
Suspicion, therefore, fell upon the condition of the tin which was
examined by the makers who said that a minute fault existed in a seam,
the fault, although being sufficiently minute as to prevent liquid escaping,
could admit bacteria.
The Public Health Committee, after very carefully studying legal
reports of the Town Clerk, authorised proceedings to be taken.
Proceedings were instituted against both the manufacturers and the
shop-keeper with the result that (a) the charge against the former was
dismissed and (b) the shop-keeper was found guilty of selling a can of
rice pudding unfit for human consumption but was granted an absolute
discharge with 20 guineas costs awarded to the Council.
*(2) A sample of Linctus found to be deficient in chloroform was
reported to the Public Health Committee, who, acting on the advice of
the Public Analyst agreed that a warning letter be sent to the manufacturers
and the shop-keeper.
(3) Proceedings were taken against a dairy for selling margarine with
mould on its surface. The firm were fined £5 with 3 guineas costs
awarded to the Council.
(4) Action was taken against a greengrocer for an offence against
Regulation 23 of the Food Hygiene (General) Regulations 1960 because
the food room was not kept in such good order, repair and condition as
to enable it to be effectively cleansed. The roof in the premises was so
rotted and defective that it was impossible to clean the underside of it.
The case was deferred when heard by the magistrate on the first occasion
in order to allow the greengrocer to make amends. On the second hearing
the Magistrates, when told that the work had been done satisfactorily,
gave an absolute discharge to the offender and awarded 3 guineas costs
to the Council.
(5) A warning letter was sent to the shop-keeper who manufactured
and sold a chocolate eclair which it was alleged by the purchaser to
contain mould when purchased.
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